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case

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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
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
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

case

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verb

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
With some members of the Legislature suggesting Griffen should be impeached, the justices issued their prohibition on Griffen hearing any case, civil or criminal, involving the death penalty, which triggered an ethics investigation of Griffen by the judicial discipline commission. Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 14 May 2025 Under the current Trump administration, the Justice Department has stepped away from Section 2 cases that had begun during the Biden administration. Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 14 May 2025
Verb
Cops searching the area found the suspect’s green jacket, along with a gun and one shell casing outside a home on Bushwick Ave. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025 Dials look cleaner, cases a touch more compact, and the finishing details just that little bit sharper. Steven Rogers, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for case
Recent Examples of Synonyms for case
Verb
  • Even the newest additions—like our Cocoon Suite, with its decadent pink-marble bathroom and crisply made bed enclosed within sliding wicker doors—felt reassuringly solid and snug.
    Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
  • Here are some tips from Direct Auto Insurance on how to keep squirrels out: Park in a sealed garage: Ensure the garage is enclosed and free of holes to prevent rodent entry.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The intervertebral discs between the spinal vertebrae comprise a gel-like core, the nucleus pulposus (NP), encased by a tough, fibrous outer ring.
    Paul McClure May 06, New Atlas, 6 May 2025
  • The movement is encased in a soft-iron inner cage, which shields it from magnetic fields that can negatively affects the accuracy of mechanical timepieces.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Walker rushed for 864 yards and 10 touchdowns in the Big 10 and should be able to fit nicely in Cincinnati’s offense with Brendan Sorsby.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 May 2025
  • In the present day, the planet's volume can fit 1,321 Earths.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Furthermore, Trump’s freeze on disbursement of funds from Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act encompassed modernization projects at airports nationwide.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • That encompassed two wins in Boston, a sweep of the Giants sandwiched between two sweeps of the Orioles and the first two games in Milwaukee.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Dickson said the site at 605-609 Davis Street now houses two vacant lots and is in blighted condition.
    Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • Built by architect Carlo Marchionni on an expanse of countryside planted with vines and leveled into terraces, the villa was created to house the collection of Cardinal Alessandro Albani, a leading art patron of his day.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • High ceilings will accommodate the potential use of aerial drones, and the flooring will be treated with Electrostatic Discharge protection to prevent harmful static buildup between sensitive electronics and robots.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 16 May 2025
  • Instead of buying an ebike and having to charge its battery at home or carry a charger around to top-up at an accommodating cafe, Yamaha set up ENYRING to offer a battery swap alternative.
    Paul Ridden May 16, New Atlas, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Case.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/case. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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