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

Relevance

Synonym Chooser

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 While Lindblad has offered other river cruises in the past—on the Nile, for example—the new Europe trips will be the first of their kind for the nearly 60-year-old company, CEO Natalya Leahy told Travel + Leisure. Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025 Use that information to make adjustments—to your calories, protein, or exercise, for example—to overcome weight loss plateaus.5 Social scenarios: For parties, potlucks, and get-togethers, offer to bring a vegan main dish or sides to share. Devineé Lingo, Health, 13 May 2025 The Office of Science, for example, is reducing spending on climate change research and is instead focusing on areas such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Jack Spencer, Boston Herald, 13 May 2025 Goldman Sachs, for example, cut back its 12-month recession forecast to 35% from 45% following the tentative deal with Beijing. Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for example
Recent Examples of Synonyms for example
Noun
  • Despite Halle giving the court several instances of violence and providing post-assault photos, her victimhood is being denied by many.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2025
  • There was not a single instance of service disruption.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • There were not enough handwriting samples of John and Frank to make a comparison, and the FBI concluded the card was probably a hoax inspired by the intense and worldwide news coverage.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
  • The commercial features Fox receiving a sample of the Lemme Play gummies and calling up Kardashian Barker on her retro phone to inquire after the gift.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Given the global report from the IMF, these individual country case studies are live illustrations of the challenge ahead globally.
    Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Quick Dry This multi-purpose hair cream speeds things up while also tackling frizziness and other common vexations By India Knight Photo illustration by Chop Choppish Shop Read On Bust a Move Sun’s Out, Buns Out ’Tis the season to show them off.
    Tuppence Middleton, Air Mail, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • These European footprints are not as old as the ones from Australia, but are still older than previous specimens.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 May 2025
  • The architecture of the retina remained completely intact across multiple specimens.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • In Chicago, where there are about 60 IRS special agents working downtown and in the suburbs, the IRS has been particularly effective in public corruption cases, including the blockbuster investigations of former Govs.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • Since 1982, only a handful of cases have been documented, most notably in 2016 in the Florida Keys, when screwworm infected a deer population.
    Connor Greene, CNN Money, 14 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Example.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/example. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on example

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!