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 loan agreement was amended, in one instance, to incorporate a business plan that promised a project completion date in June 2024, with the exception of the park work. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025 They were all robbed, of very little money, and in three instances, their homes were set ablaze to hide evidence of the slaughter that had taken place inside, authorities said. Kc Baker, People.com, 20 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, a class-action lawsuit launched in 2023 alleges that products with the Target Clean seal actually contained parabens, talc, and PFAS (forever chemicals linked to cancer and immune risks)—ingredients the Target Clean stamp claimed to exclude.
    Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • On Medicaid, for example, some centrist House Republicans are griping about the upper chamber’s decision to cap provider taxes at 3.5 percent by 2031 — a decrease from the current 6 percent — for states that expanded the social safety net program under the Affordable Care Act.
    Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The company declined to disclose where the future locations will open – citing company policy.
    James Powel, USA Today, 19 June 2025
  • President Donald Trump has signaled a temporary pause on potential U.S. military action against Iran, citing a possible opening for negotiations.
    Amanda Castro Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Most Met fans, including me wanted less Jeff and more Acuna, Baty, and Mauricio as the article mentioned.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • As mentioned, scientists have developed contact lenses that monitor the eyes for these symptoms.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 15 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
  • While Vance was taking questions, a reporter referenced Padilla's removal from Noem's news conference.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • The second part is a box with cards that reference the main parts of the character to make making characters and playing the game easier.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Herzog, meanwhile, specified that Israel is committed to eliminating Iran’s nuclear and missile programs first and foremost.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2025
  • Although the classic martini serve has evolved, Milia specifies the baseline for the cocktail is still the same with two main ingredients.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Made up of students Rohan Jha, Rohan Jain, Audrey Cheng and Michael Antipov, the team demonstrated their knowledge in areas like earning income, spending, saving, managing credit, investing and managing risk, a news release from Frerichs’ office said.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
  • Your contrarian takes demonstrate independent thinking that can't be faked or prompted into existence.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Empathy means noticing and adjusting expectations without penalizing people for being human. 4.
    Jody Michael, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The firemen noticed Pilon, but every time one of them tried to get beyond the protection of the trucks, Barbaro fired at them.
    Sally Ventura June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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