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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
In an attempt to stretch limited resources, this company had assigned volunteers to case management roles. Novena Riojas, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 Spina bifida is a condition where the spinal column and casing around the spinal cord don't form completely, affecting motor ability and the ability to walk. Analisa Novak, CBS News, 14 July 2025
Verb
In fact, most of the active missing persons cases in our area involve juveniles. Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025 Now, as the defamation case edges closer to a verdict, Relli faces the prospect of walking away empty-handed—or worse, financially responsible for tens of thousands in legal fees. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for case
Recent Examples of Synonyms for case
Verb
  • The state agency tried to rescind that permission in 2021, stating that the screen house was not enclosed and locked, with no floors, walls, or roof, was susceptible to infiltration by insects and animals, and was being used for high THC plants.
    Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
  • The style employs semi-circular floor plans enclosed behind a curved glass wall, allowing residents to enjoy the full arc of the sun throughout the day.
    Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Shops sell his memorabilia — the boy's face encased in a corona of holy light is on mugs, keychains, rosaries.
    Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The black box, or boxed, warning refers to a prominent warning encased in a bold black border in the labeling or pamphlet of some medications.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • With a cozy cottage feel, the Allwood Claudia Tiny Home Kit fits in anywhere from the woods, to the waterside, or even in your backyard (depending on your HOA).
    Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
  • That means having to cut jokes that don't fit his do-no-harm MO.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The show will be the largest mounted at Pace’s 25th Street New York flagship, encompassing all of the gallery’s exhibition spaces across several floors.
    Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
  • This mindset encompasses perseverance, loyalty, embracing differences, displaying an openness to personal growth and strong conflict-resolution skills, including the willingness to seek help when necessary.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The best-selling fall and winter candles are made of a new wax blend that’s housed in the brand’s signature large jars with fresh packaging.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Another model was stationed next to the wardrobe, which housed 2D paper doll cutout clothing.
    Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Bayrou had argued that young people in France are being burdened with years of debt to accommodate boomers.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The Lovevook Tote features a padded laptop compartment and multiple interior pockets, accommodating everything from a wallet to lip gloss.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Case.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/case. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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