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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
Charles Garcia-Berrios cased out a Gary pawn shop several times in the days and weeks before Derek Sanders went and shot owner Brandon Cruz dead on Nov. 17, a prosecutor said Monday. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025 According to police, investigators recovered a 9mm Glock handgun and a spent shell casing from Lauren’s residence. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025
Verb
No weapons were found, and no arrests were made in that case. Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 13 July 2025 Follow-up inspections were conducted for some restaurants, with scores improving in many cases. Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for case
Recent Examples of Synonyms for case
Verb
  • The Texas Twist is the longest slide in the park, with twisty, enclosed turns for single riders.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2025
  • Long haul flights that enclosed us in high pressure air cabins result in exposure to dry, recycled air.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • While McArthur was being interviewed by investigators, search teams made a grim discovery: a portion of a human skull was found sticking out of the ground, encased in concrete and potting soil.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 19 July 2025
  • The colorful stand caught her eye, but the half-pound of hot dog encased in a pound of batter sealed the deal for her.
    Amelia Wu July 19, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • In this way, the executive order opens the door to reshaping science to fit policy goals rather than allowing policy to be guided by the best available evidence.
    David Michaels, The Atlantic, 20 July 2025
  • The elevated mini dress is a chill, one-and-done staple for the summer, with more than one way to go about it to fit it into your own personal style lexicon: think elegant shift dresses, easy linens, lacy slips, and more sporty numbers.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • The areas devoted to health and rejuvenation encompass almost 20,500 square feet.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 19 July 2025
  • Whether on a football field, concert stage, or in a corporate boardroom, greatness encompasses more than a single achievement.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Cameras and equipment were already available, given the Arizona Capitol Television operations are housed at the Senate.
    Mary Jo Pitzl, AZCentral.com, 13 July 2025
  • The chariot housed the Deathriders in the bed of the truck.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Instead, this bamboo foldable drying rack neatly folds out and can accommodate a full load of clothes.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
  • Its Bowery store is its largest at 3,000 square feet, accommodating about 45 people inside and 20 people outside.
    Gary Stern, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Case.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/case. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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