instance 1 of 2

as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this is just one instance of his repeated failure to do what he promised

Synonyms & Similar Words

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instance

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to cite
to give as an example instanced one particular incident as an illustration of their penchant for practical jokes

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word instance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of instance are case, example, illustration, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

When could case be used to replace instance?

Although the words case and instance have much in common, 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 might example be a better fit than instance?

The meanings of example and instance largely overlap; however, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When can illustration be used instead of instance?

In some situations, the words illustration and instance are roughly equivalent. However, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When is it sensible to use sample instead of instance?

The words sample and instance can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Where would specimen be a reasonable alternative to instance?

While the synonyms specimen and instance are close in meaning, 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 instance
Noun
While, instances of dangerous objects in Halloween candy, such as razor blades, are considered rare, cases do pop up every few years. Greta Cross, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025 In fact, Kansas had multiple instances of cold shooting spells, allowing Fort Hays State to stay within striking distance. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
Topics under discussion included changes in the industry over the last decade, instanced by the rise of digital and gaming, audience fragmentation, and the emergence of disruptive technologies such as AI. Liza Foreman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2023 But there’s been plenty of room for errors and hallucinations, instances when chatbots like ChatGPT have concocted inaccurate—and sometimes worrying—answers to questions. Joseph Abrams, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for instance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instance
Noun
  • One example of such smaller space weather events is a magnetic flux rope—bundles of magnetic fields wrapped around each other like a rope.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 24 Oct. 2025
  • One of the most famous examples of a major business leader succeeding from failure was Apple’s visionary cofounder Steve Jobs.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In his speech, Van Zile cited an estimate that 60,000 gambling machines are operating in taverns across the state, resulting in millions of dollars in uncollected taxes.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Several people were being treated at the scene after being knocked to the ground and trampled as those in the crowd ran for cover, CNN affiliate KYW reported, citing officials.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Somehow Ali was never asked about, and it wasn't mentioned at all.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Roy Ahmaogak mentioned seeing the gray whales (which aren't often hunted, due to being unappetizing) in passing to an employee of the borough, who then reported the whales to a biologist.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • His goal to seal the win against Italy — a lung-busting run and cultured finish in the dying moments — helped to illustrate the impressive engine at the heart of Cremaschi’s game.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Those statements, which emphasized the teams’ conversations with officials in both states, illustrated that locations in Missouri and Kansas were still in the mix months after both states approved sweeping incentives packages to secure them.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The logos also pay homage to the show by featuring several branding elements at the heel and tongue, which reference the show’s alternate dimension, the Upside Down.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The order does not reference Trump or any specific investigation.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • By refusing to specify details of the case, the government keeps the possibility alive of changing their reasoning or their claims to have the same effect for different reasons—just as the mob changes its reasoning for killing Cinna.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The label doesn’t specify the thread count, but the sheets certainly felt soft and luxurious.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 2028 Olympics Earlier this year, Archer Aviation became the exclusive air taxi partner for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a move Goldstein hopes will demonstrate Midnight’s capabilities on a global stage.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • While potentially an intimidating shoe to some consumers, Hosk demonstrated how the statement boots can be styled.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For there are two legacies of the founding era that must be noticed, and both qualify as enormous tragedies.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Mocha Point customers will notice some of the same flavors as other coffee shops, as well as some that are different.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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