case 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈkās How to pronounce case (audio)
Definition of casenext
1
as in sheath
something that encloses another thing especially to protect it those binoculars come with their own case

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in bin
a covered rectangular container for storing or transporting things a handy little cosmetics case that matches the rest of her luggage

Synonyms & Similar Words

case

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
as in patient
an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment her doctor wishes that all of his cases were as cooperative as she is

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this is a perfect case of people jumping to the wrong conclusion before all the facts are known

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in fact
something that actually exists this has never been the case before

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act you'll get a chance to make your case, but unless you're very convincing, your request will be denied

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in bout
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder a young boy suffering from a case of chicken pox

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in possibility
something that might happen it may be the case that the cause of the fire will forever remain a mystery

Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in problem
something that requires thought and skill for resolution that's a tough case to solve

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

case

3 of 3

verb

as in to enclose

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word case distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of case are example, illustration, instance, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with.

a case of mistaken identity

When would example be a good substitute for case?

While in some cases nearly identical to case, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When is it sensible to use illustration instead of case?

While the synonyms illustration and case are close in meaning, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When could instance be used to replace case?

Although the words instance and case have much in common, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

In what contexts can sample take the place of case?

The meanings of sample and case largely overlap; however, sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities.

show us a sample of your work

When might specimen be a better fit than case?

The synonyms specimen and case are sometimes interchangeable, but specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of case
Noun
On April 18, 2025, immigration officers went to the Milwaukee County courthouse after learning 31-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz had reentered the country illegally and was scheduled to appear before Dugan for a hearing in a state battery case. — ABC News, 8 July 2026 In Los Angeles County, cases began to pop up in May, firstly in Pico Rivera and Long Beach, according to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Verb
The remaining three movements from the original batch were cased and sold more than a decade later, according to the watch brand’s archives. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2026 Sump pump damage can happen in the motor, check valve, switch, float, basin, discharge pipe, or casing. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for case
Recent Examples of Synonyms for case
  1. sheath
  2. bin
  3. patient
  4. example
  5. fact
  6. explanation
  7. bout
  8. possibility
Noun
  • During his burial, an iron sword in a leather sheath was placed across his chest, with a spear next to him.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
  • Michelle revealed her midi-length sheath dress had an unexpected optical illusion detail at the bottom.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 24 June 2026
Definition of sheath
Noun
  • Flies are drawn to anything deteriorating, so cleaning up your yard and closing garbage bins can go a long way.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Her belongings are mostly packed in plastic bins and other containers lined up along the sidewalk, with one section of items partially blocking the sidewalk.
    — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of bin
Noun
  • The patient, also a humanitarian worker, tested positive in France after returning home from a mission in the DRC, the French Health Ministry said.
    — Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Long before ambient documentation arrived, patients were already reconciling medication lists, catching referral failures, correcting demographic mistakes, and trying to make sense of conflicting recommendations from different specialists.
    — Demetri Giannikopoulos, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of patient
Noun
  • In that small world, Rolison pointed to Cubs teammate Drew Pomeranz as an example.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • As people mourn and protest Wells' death, Christine Wonsley urged them to follow his example.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Definition of example
Noun
  • In the 19-page complaint, obtained by Rolling Stone, Morake argued that Jonasi had presented the translation as fact during a conversational podcast rather than as part of a stand-up routine.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2026
  • Basically, the fact that zinc did not always agree with carbon and nitrogen suggests that δ66Zn may be sensitive to ecological processes that are invisible to traditional tracers (offering a complementary lens rather than a replacement).
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of fact
Noun
  • Guthrie has now missed two days of hosting the show in a row without any explanation, which has people wondering if something has happened in the investigation.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026
  • Here, perhaps, is a truer explanation for the relentless invention and questing that just happens to result in their ecstatic calibrations of noise.
    — Laura Snapes, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • His chaotic style had him in position to win both bouts, but Gaethje was taking too much damage.
    — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 6 July 2026
  • Haaland’s winning goal came after another bout of yanking and pulling; the striker tried to free himself by slapping the defender’s arm away, eventually just carrying on regardless.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of bout
Noun
  • The possibility of disruptions to oil flows via the Strait of Hormuz, however, might not entirely be discounted, which could complicate energy supply calculus.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • Efraín Juárez, then the coach of Pumas, was asked about the possibility of his team ending a long title drought.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of possibility

Phrases Containing case

Browse Nearby Words

cascading
case
casebook
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Cite this Entry

“Case.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/case. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on case

Nglish: Translation of case for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about case

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