case 1 of 3

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
Officers found a shell casing at the base of the bed and a used condom nearby. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 22 Aug. 2025 The method of storage for an Apple Pencil may vary from case to case. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield issued the couple multiple denials in their case, even after Sutton-Schulman’s husband attempted suicide twice in the span of 11 days. Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 7 Oct. 2025 There were nearly 600 cases reported near the end of 2024, a total more than six times higher than the same time in 2023, NC Health News reported — and the highest number of cases reported in the state in 70 years. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for case
Recent Examples of Synonyms for case
Verb
  • Eukaryotes begin to emerge on Earth, with cells now containing enclosed, separated organelles to carry out individual functions within a cell.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Full-bodied, able to quickly fill a large room, and enclosed in a (literal) house of glass that’s been dolled up with Aeoniumsky’s heart-warming illustrations, each one is a delight that will make cozy season even cozier.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The window encasing the passenger compartment is perhaps the most striking aspect, and, if the car is ever built, will have an interesting windshield wiper setup.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Now 69% off, these fall-friendly ankle booties are made of 100% toffee-colored leather that encase your feet in timeless style and all-day comfort.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There’s a lot to love about the Etronik weekender that fits up to three days’ worth of essentials, including all its handy separate compartments for dividing your clean and dirty (or wet and dry) clothes; plus, side and back-zipper pockets, too.
    Kayla Becker, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Petite shoppers will be glad to hear that the cozy bottoms are available in both a 22- and 30-inch inseam; the former is designed to fit those under 5 feet 4 inches.
    Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Running March 2023 to December 2024, the Eras Tour encompassed Swift’s entire repertoire, spanning 149 shows across 51 cities to become the highest-grossing tour of all time.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2025
  • There’s no downtown per se in Mentone, but a concentrated quarter-mile stretch of State 117 encompasses most of the retail fun.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The number of employees that will be housed at the Speedway Industrial Park building site were not known.
    Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Backlogs out of Hong Kong, which houses the largest cargo airport on earth, are expected to persist through mid-October after Typhoon Ragasa caused widespread flight cancellations across the region and South China.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While relocating the U21s and U18s from the main building was a deliberate choice, space has in any case been taken up by open-plan offices to accommodate non-football staff relocated from Old Trafford — a policy instructed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Another feature that’s worth highlighting is the 129 square-foot sleeping loft that can accommodate a bed, small nightstands, floating shelves, and even a houseplant or two.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Case.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/case. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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