as in instance
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like a war bonnet that is a fine example of Native American handicraft

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word example distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of example are case, illustration, instance, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When could case be used to replace example?

While in some cases nearly identical to example, 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 illustration be a good substitute for example?

The meanings of illustration and example largely overlap; however, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

Where would instance be a reasonable alternative to example?

In some situations, the words instance and example are roughly equivalent. However, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

When is sample a more appropriate choice than example?

Although the words sample and example have much in common, 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 example?

The words specimen and example can be used in similar contexts, 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 example In Gary, for example, the zoning code formerly required all homes to be built on lots a minimum of 50 feet wide. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025 We’re told, for example, that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has at various times stationed at least five people there, including an assistant special agent in charge and two drone operators. Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025 Media personality Bo Dietl, for example, is teaming up with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to raise $10 million through an outside group to challenge Mamdani, the Wall Street Journal reported. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025 For example, in many aerospace programs, each Form 3 submission contains 80 to 150 individual specifications on average, ranging from dimensions to materials, notes and finish requirements. Prashant Kondle, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for example
Recent Examples of Synonyms for example
Noun
  • In these instances, prior authorization is essential.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The instances involved orcas of all ages and sexes, as well as from all three pods.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • But there’s also enough of a sample size, defender Chris McVey said, to believe last week’s lapses were merely a one-off.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • Biopsy: Your provider may take a sample of tissue from your endometrium and send it to a lab to look for cancer cells.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The Grok logo is being displayed on a smartphone with Xai visible in the background in this photo illustration on April 1, 2024.
    Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 8 July 2025
  • Throughout the book, the authors, Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor and Andy Chou Musser, were able to display their own voices and illustration styles by each taking on one phase.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Each room of the conservatory was landscaped with mass plantings versus just a collection of specimens.
    Janet B. Carson, Arkansas Online, 29 June 2025
  • These multi-stemmed trees make handsome specimens, with exfoliating bark that takes center stage during the winter months.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The injunction comes seven months after a jury found that Penn State proved its case.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
  • In this case, the potential for oil shipping and/or facilities to be attacked by one or both sides is revived, by one or both sides of the conflict.
    Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Example.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/example. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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