Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

instance

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of instance

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 of instance

case, example, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, prototype, representative, sample, specimen
Words Related to instance

archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm

cross section, microcosm

evidence, indication, manifestation, sign
Phrases Synonymous with instance

case in point

Synonym Discussion of instance

instance, case, illustration, example, sample, specimen 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
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
illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.
    • a telling illustration of Murphy's Law
example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.
    • a typical example of bureaucratic waste
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
specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.
    • one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

instance

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of instance

1 to give as an example
  • instanced one particular incident as an illustration of their penchant for practical jokes
Synonyms of instance

adduce, cite, mention, quote
Words Related to instance

exemplify, represent

advert (to), illustrate, instance, name, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon)

bear out, corroborate, document, substantiate, validate

reference, source
2 to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically
  • instanced the latest astronomical research in her presentation on measuring star magnitude
Synonyms of instance

advert (to), cite, drop, mention, name, note, notice, quote, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon)
Words Related to instance

allude (to), hint (at), imply, indicate, infer, intend, intimate, suggest

point (out), signal, signify

denominate, designate

indicate

bring up, broach, interject, interpolate, interpose, introduce

infiltrate, insinuate, worm

advertise, announce, broadcast, declare, proclaim, pronounce, publicize, publish, sound

clarify, clear (up), elucidate, explain, explicate, spell out
Near Antonyms of instance

disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, overpass, pass over, slight
3 to show or make clear by using examples
  • instanced the heroʼs moral courage with several examples from the novel
Synonyms of instance

demonstrate, exemplify, illustrate
Words Related to instance

adduce, cite, mention, quote

name, specify

analyze, break down

clarify, clear (up), explain, explicate, expound

edify, elucidate, enlighten

illuminate

construe, interpret

simplify, spell out

detail, enumerate, list
Near Antonyms of instance

becloud, blur, cloud, darken, fog, muddy, obscure

confuse, perplex, puzzle

Learn More about instance

  1. Dictionary: Definition of instance Spanish Central: Translation of instance Nglish: Translation of instance for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of instance for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up instance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

minion

a servile follower or underling

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. crosshair Roger Stone posts controversial photo

  2. feckless Former RNC chair derides Trump

  3. emergency, national emergency Trump declares crisis over wall

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games