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
The report warns that the number of mob lynchings is growing, as are the instances of extrajudicial killings by the Haitian national police. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025 The analysis showed that the sound from the fatal flight was over 97 percent consistent with a different instance of emergency turbine deployment. Mika Gröndahl, New York Times, 28 June 2025
Verb
This sentence was changed on 30 November 2018 after some readers pointed out to the author instances in the literature that had considered these issues. IEEE Spectrum, 15 Nov. 2018 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 See All Example Sentences for instance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instance
Noun
  • For example, Thunuguntla found that social connectivity often predicted staying power better than factors like advancement opportunities.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 30 June 2025
  • For example, natural oils that would otherwise be filtered out in a drip coffee maker remain fully intact, making the coffee aromatic and robust.
    Tyler Shane, Wired News, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • In June, Russia launched more than 5,300 Shahed-type drones in a series of mass attacks that have become more frequent and more deadly, reported the Kyiv Independent, citing the Ukrainian Air Force.
    Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • The website of the U.S. Global Change Research Program, which hosts numerous climate change reports and resources, including the comprehensive and often cited National Climate Assessments, is no longer operational, according to a NASA spokesperson.
    Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • After weeks of festivities—not to mention tens of millions of dollars—Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are officially married.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 27 June 2025
  • Investors are hoping the trade war doesn’t escalate again, inflation stays in check, earnings can power through, and the economy doesn’t tip into a recession—not to mention containing tension in the Middle East.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Anyway, this serves to illustrate how, at the helm, Murati had to address Musk’s input.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • An anecdote illustrates this trend: a freelance graphic designer once lost hours to a phishing link masquerading as a payment request.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Trump also referenced false claims that Mamdani is in the country illegally.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 1 July 2025
  • The group’s 2023 FOIA request sought internal emails, planning documents, and communications among top officials referencing race, equity, and transplantation policy.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Without specifying any figures, Sinclair says its ratings for women’s tennis have grown since 2023, especially among the coveted 18-to-34-year-old demographic.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
  • This must include at least 100 MHz from 3.98 to 4.2 GHz, but the plan doesn't specify where the rest of the 300 MHz or more would be taken from.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • During the clip, Row's husband repeatedly demonstrated the simple action of placing the ball into the machine before it was thrown out of the other side.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • However, Charlie demonstrates an unexpected capacity for lethal action, using his intelligence and computer skills to orchestrate elaborate and unconventional methods of eliminating his enemies.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Sports fans may notice a difference in the race calls this season as longtime announcer Trevor Denman announced his retirement in March.
    Kelley Carlson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
  • Suddenly, everyone is noticing just how corrupt the criminal justice system is here in Massachusetts.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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