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 Government drone attacks, for example, have become a near-daily occurrence in Port-au-Prince in recent months, raising serious humanitarian and legal concerns. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025 For earbuds, only some brands include multiple ear tip sizes—for example, the Apple AirPods 4 do not, while the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 do. Jackie Cucco, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2025 At times, Marte looked like an odd fit on the Mets roster (for example, Mark Vientos was another right-handed DH option). Will Sammon, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator or park farther away from your destination. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for example
Recent Examples of Synonyms for example
Noun
  • In this latter instance, Swift matched the bag’s all-black colorway to a black top and maxi skirt ensemble out of scallop lace.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In each of the other three instances, Avery's attorneys went to the Court of Appeals, which affirmed the denials, then petitioned the state Supreme Court, which declined to review the case.
    Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The evidence that Song was the shooter comes from a green mask the assailant wore from which samples that tested positive for Song’s DNA were taken and from interviews with cooperating sources, FBI Special Agent Clark Wiethorn testified at the hearing.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The two-hour experience includes bourbon samples, a cocktail, and the use of paranormal investigation tools.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The final play of the third quarter had served as a perfect illustration of the struggles the second-year quarterback and the Broncos had to that point Sunday.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The rest of the issues appear in order of publication, complete with their covers—the front usually an illustration set against a single vibrant color, the back often an elegant monochrome photograph by Stacey Sheehan.
    Jo Livingstone, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • All specimens of the new species were collected from a single host file clam, the study said.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The Saban crab was the most common out of around 200 specimens discovered at the site in Lowndes County.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Corps officials will evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Wirtz and Frimpong have both been tried on the flanks, but so far neither has put forward a strong case.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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