Synonyms of instance

instance 1 of 2

noun

ˈin(t)-stən(t)s 

as in example

one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like

this is just one instance of his repeated failure to do what he promised

Synonyms & Similar Words

• example
• sample
• specimen
• case
• illustration
• representative
• prototype
• indication
• case in point
• exemplification
• exemplar
• paradigm
• cross section
• evidence
• manifestation
• classic
• archetype
• sign
• microcosm
• locus classicus

instance

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to cite

to give as an example

instanced one particular incident as an illustration of their penchant for practical jokes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cite
• mention
• reference
• quote
• adduce
• specify
• represent
• source
• illustrate
• exemplify
• document
• refer (to)
• name
• touch (on or upon)
• validate
• corroborate
• advert (to)
• bear out
• substantiate

2

as in to mention

to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically

instanced the latest astronomical research in her presentation on measuring star magnitude

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mention
• specify
• cite
• notice
• note
• indicate
• quote
• name
• suggest
• refer (to)
• touch (on or upon)
• introduce
• explain
• advert (to)
• imply
• infer
• drop
• intend
• announce
• clarify
• designate
• publish
• point (out)
• pronounce
• signal
• signify
• allude (to)
• declare
• intimate
• advertise
• hint (at)
• proclaim
• denominate
• broadcast
• worm
• publicize
• spell out
• interject
• sound
• interpose
• interpolate
• elucidate
• clear (up)
• bring up
• broach
• insinuate
• infiltrate
• explicate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• forget
• ignore
• slight
• disregard
• pass over
• overlook
• neglect
• overpass

3

as in to illustrate

to show or make clear by using examples

instanced the hero's moral courage with several examples from the novel

Synonyms & Similar Words

• illustrate
• demonstrate
• explain
• exemplify
• mention
• specify
• cite
• clarify
• analyze
• quote
• detail
• adduce
• name
• interpret
• spell out
• clear (up)
• elucidate
• break down
• simplify
• construe
• list
• explicate
• enumerate
• enlighten
• illuminate
• expound
• edify

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obscure
• cloud
• muddy
• blur
• darken
• confuse
• fog
• puzzle
• becloud
• perplex

Synonym Chooser

How is the word instance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of instance are case, example, illustration, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

When could case be used to replace instance?

Although the words case and instance have much in common, 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 might example be a better fit than instance?

The meanings of example and instance largely overlap; however, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When can illustration be used instead of instance?

In some situations, the words illustration and instance are roughly equivalent. However, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When is it sensible to use sample instead of instance?

The words sample and instance can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Where would specimen be a reasonable alternative to instance?

While the synonyms specimen and instance are close in meaning, 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

Recent Examples of instance

Noun

And in some instances, the crimes have crossed into terrorism. —Odette Yousef, NPR, 6 Aug. 2025

Irv recalls in one instance, an acquaintance who was not especially close to the deceased, became the loudest mourner online. —Alessandra Schade, Time, 5 Aug. 2025

Verb

This sentence was changed on 30 November 2018 after some readers pointed out to the author instances in the literature that had considered these issues. —IEEE Spectrum, 15 Nov. 2018

Topics under discussion included changes in the industry over the last decade, instanced by the rise of digital and gaming, audience fragmentation, and the emergence of disruptive technologies such as AI. —Liza Foreman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2023