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 The school districts, for example, want something different than the attorneys general do. Charlotte Alter, Time, 18 June 2025 Le Petit Dakar, for example, offers Senegalese delicacies that transport you directly to West Africa. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 June 2025 The first of those, for example, is July 9, when dates for the opening six rounds of the campaign will be locked in. Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 18 June 2025 On Medicaid, for example, some centrist House Republicans are griping about the upper chamber’s decision to cap provider taxes at 3.5 percent by 2031 — a decrease from the current 6 percent — for states that expanded the social safety net program under the Affordable Care Act. Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for example
Recent Examples of Synonyms for example
Noun
  • In each of these instances, democracy didn’t die and the Republic prevailed.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2025
  • Due to the location of the kick, there was no near post and no far post in this instance.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • The researchers analyzed plasma samples from a large Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study to assess risk factors for heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases, according to a press release.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
  • However, the findings were based on a small sample of just 13 participants over 11 days, indicating the need for more extensive research.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • An illustrator and illustrations teacher at the time, Jacobsen learned of Machine Head, a metal fabrication shop in the Crossroads, through Arts Upload, a PBS show featuring local art.
    Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025
  • Featuring illustrations by Nenka Myers, the book will arrive in spring 2026.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Photos included in the filing showed test specimens piled up in the lab in overflowing garbage bags and boxes.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
  • But the specimens’ small size offered little idea of what this shadowy population of ancient hominins looked like, and the group has never been assigned an official scientific name.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Catch up on the murder case The verdict comes nearly a year after Read’s first trial ended in a hung jury.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 June 2025
  • Alice Johnson, appointed as Pardon Czar, plays a significant role in this process, focusing on individual cases and rehabilitation over political connections.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Example.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/example. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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