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 For example, Raynaud’s syndrome affects circulation to fingers and toes. Novant Health, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025 Judges have wide discretion to decide cases, and some have clear patterns of decisions; for example, some may grant asylum nearly every time, while others may deny it nearly every time. Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 6 June 2025 For example, the survey found that consumers’ net purchase consideration levels have dipped in Canada and Europe but remained stable in China. Pia Singh, CNBC, 6 June 2025 Or why, for example, would Wayne Rooney, his former Old Trafford colleague, sign him twice for both Derby County and DC United? Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for example
Recent Examples of Synonyms for example
Noun
  • May 28, 2025 What's different today is that the Israeli defense forces used a high-energy laser capable of locking onto and destroying a drone by, in at least one instance, burning off the wings.
    David Szondy, New Atlas, 28 May 2025
  • Hollywood has always been a copycat industry, and there are countless instances of two movies of similar natures, settings, and themes being in development at the same time and released in close proximity to each other.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Tickets for the cooking challenge are $70 per person and include three drinks on top of the competition samples and other bites from Mulvaney’s, according to the organizers.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • The sample size for Turner is a slash line of .268/.326/.366 in 44 at-bats.
    Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • With more than 50 tattoos, the imagery comes in a huge variety of artistic styles, from a simple linework Matisse illustration to an intricately detailed Visconti of Milan coat of arms to a classic rose and photorealistic pet portraits.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 2 June 2025
  • The words were names, surnames, dates, cities and towns, sometimes with illustrations for reference, according to the release.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The animal has only been seen once in 30 years, and all descriptions of it stem from a handful of museum specimens.
    Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 25 May 2025
  • The significance of such specimens underscores why scientific access should be prioritized over private fossil collection, Chapman added.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • New films include an untitled drama about the Elize Matsunaga case, in which Matsunaga killed and dismembered her husband—a case that was previously the subject of Netflix’s 2021 docuseries Elize Matsunaga: Once Upon a Crime.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 26 May 2025
  • From their early days on the Disney Channel to their happily ever afters with their significant others, these celebrities are now all grown up, married and in some cases, having kids of their own.
    Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Example.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/example. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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