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case

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noun (2)

1
as in patient
an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment her doctor wishes that all of his cases were as cooperative as she is

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this is a perfect case of people jumping to the wrong conclusion before all the facts are known

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act you'll get a chance to make your case, but unless you're very convincing, your request will be denied

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
6
as in possibility
something that might happen it may be the case that the cause of the fire will forever remain a mystery

Synonyms & Similar Words

7

case

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word case distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of case are example, illustration, instance, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," 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 example be a good substitute for case?

While in some cases nearly identical to case, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When is it sensible to use illustration instead of case?

While the synonyms illustration and case are close in meaning, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When could instance be used to replace case?

Although the words instance and case have much in common, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

In what contexts can sample take the place of case?

The meanings of sample and case largely overlap; however, 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 case?

The synonyms specimen and case are sometimes interchangeable, 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 case
Noun
The six-parter, to debut July 14, follows six groups of friends, and six historical cases of murder and treachery among them. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025 Revenue Outlook : Decline, not stagnation, is the base case, with a mid-teens drop guided. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 19 June 2025
Verb
The crews will case homes, then enter through a front or back door or even straight into the master bedroom. Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 16 May 2025 These movements were primarily cased and timed in the United States before being shipped to retailers. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for case
Recent Examples of Synonyms for case
Verb
  • Towering limestone cliffs enclose the cove, creating a striking setting ideal for snorkeling, diving, or simply enjoying a peaceful escape in nature.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • The house is a modest one-and-a-half-story Cape set on pilings with a crawl space enclosed by boards, built of native spruce and pine lumber that Mark and Fraser cut from the nearby islands.
    Robert Finch June 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Especially given that the Switch 2, encased in the Killswitch, is probably my favorite console of all time.
    Anthony Karcz, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Photo : Modern Media for Sotheby’s International Realty There are four original fireplaces in total, including a massive one encased in antique wood in the family room.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • What difficulties were there in figuring out how these different styles would fit together?
    Kambole Campbell, Variety, 14 June 2025
  • As Oakmont continued to firm up on Friday, only three players managed to remain under par as the combination of Oakmont’s greens, and a brutal USGA setup featuring rough over five inches long gave the best players in the world fits.
    Mike Fore, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • The class encompasses information about exercises to prepare the mother for birth, relaxation and coping techniques, pain control options, labor positioning, induction and C-section basics, recovery and welcoming baby.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025
  • The threats guiding the world of medical device cybersecurity encompass many attack types.
    Christian Espinosa, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • For six years, the building that once housed The Coffee Cup, a beloved neighborhood diner in St. Paul’s North End, sat empty.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 19 June 2025
  • Notably, the project will entail two significant additions to the current building – one addition to the front of the building for student and staff resources, and an addition in the back that will house primarily classrooms and science labs, Shearer said.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • If approved, the music hall will accommodate an audience of 728 people and a stage big enough to support a symphony orchestra, according to MYAC CEO Allen Dennis.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
  • Most judges cannot accommodate an evidentiary hearing the same day.
    Wendy Hickey, Boston Herald, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Case.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/case. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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