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 Across the eastern Baltic states (an area pertaining to modern-day Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), there are even more examples of broken tools in Stone Age burials. Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025 Nicholas Stevens, vice president of product for AI and home loans at Zillow, offered a concrete example of where the company is on this maturity scale—which, to my ear, sounded like Level 1 edging into Level 2. Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025 Today is a perfect example of that. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 Trump did not include any examples of political violence against Democrats. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for example
Recent Examples of Synonyms for example
Noun
  • With instances of political violence on the rise, the trial is expected to revisit one of the most high-profile instances of alleged violence directed at Trump in the waning days of the 2024 election.
    Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • And from January 2023 to June 2024, more than 800 instances of swatting were recorded at elementary, middle, and high schools, according to the K-12 School Shootings Database.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Over a very small sample of 178 innings, Devers has been worth one defensive run saved.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The proposal would also cancel the mission to return the samples to Earth.
    David W. Brown, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Concerns included graphic illustrations, discussion of drug or alcohol use and transgender acceptance.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The store supplied her with bondage pants, kilts, and T-shirts printed with obscene illustrations.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But unlike those taxidermy specimens, collectors can still enjoy a living, breathing VW Beetle today.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Inspectors noted expired medications still in use and lab specimens left unrefrigerated.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In any case, clues and answers for today’s Mini are below!
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • But the details of L’s case were striking.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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