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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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 Imagine, for example, if sanctuary cities were deemed to be violating federal law. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025 For example, many teachers now spend time detecting whether students use ChatGPT for homework, while other workers review AI output quality or attempt to craft effective prompts. ArsTechnica, 1 May 2025 But the CamelBak Octane 16L is a rare example of a superb hiking-ready pack loaded with features that just happens to come with a really good two-liter water reservoir. Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 1 May 2025 For example, it's been shown to recognize specific tumor patterns potentially more quickly and more thoroughly than a human can. Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for example
Recent Examples of Synonyms for example
Noun
  • There are unique instances of automakers figuratively moving mountains and spending billions of dollars to get things done more quickly.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
  • In this instance, the main focus isn't the sausages.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the three weeks following Trump’s April 2 announcement, Amazon prices rose 4.2% on 50 products, according to a sample conducted by MoffettNathanson Research, an equity research firm.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • In the very small four-game sample size of 22 total minutes, the lineup has an offensive rating of 128.9 points per 100 possessions and a defensive rating of 75.6, good for an out-of-this-world 53.3 net rating.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Just last week, the group shared some tips on how to tell Sunny and Gizmo apart, complete with a photo illustration identifying both of the chicks at different angles.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Keep reading, or listen to the story » Editor’s Pick Photo illustration by Ricardo Tomás; Source photographs from Getty Is the U.S. Becoming an Autocracy?
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The monument also includes the Thomas Condon Paleontology and Visitor Center, which contains thousands of fossil specimens and features a research laboratory that's open to the public.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The First to Know test offers a 15-minute diagnosis from one to three drops of blood that correctly identifies 99.5% of negative specimens and 93.4% of positive specimens.
    Carmen Rios, Flow Space, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Another case involves Venezuelan immigrants seeking hearings to contest their gang membership.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • In the case civil brought by James, Trump and his lawyers got to argue their case before the court at trial, challenging the witnesses and evidence offered by James and presenting their own witnesses and evidence.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Example.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/example. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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