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 strain has circulated widely in wild birds and in instances led to severe illness in several humans. Brittney Melton, NPR, 6 Feb. 2025 Prosecutors cited one instance where the company moved more than $15 million from a San Diego money service business to a money service business in Florida across a dozen separate transactions, but did not confirm the identity of the final beneficiary of each transaction. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 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 key assumption of the city’s plan anticipates future major capital improvements to maintain and expand water, sewer, and stormwater systems, including treatment facilities, wells, pipe oversizing, and water tower.
    Graham P. Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Data points stretched 10 years apart, for example, can leave a gaping knowledge gap.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In 1867, President Andrew Johnson similarly cited it as a rationale for purchasing Alaska.
    Scott Neuman, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Khamenei suggested that negotiations with the U.S. would not lead to any meaningful progress, citing past failures.
    Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Throughout his remarks, the president mentioned a number of similarities between the Panthers’ championship run and his 2024 campaign.
    Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Trump mentioned tariffs repeatedly on the campaign trail in 2024, touting their ability to raise revenue and as a negotiating tool in other policy areas, such as immigration and drug enforcement.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The match dashboard below illustrates their dominance.
    Beren Cross, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
  • However, leaving it on while connected to an open network could expose it to security vulnerabilities, as illustrated by this viral Reddit post.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • While accepting the award for best actress at the National Board of Review Gala in New York City on Jan. 8, Kidman referenced a memorable scene from the flick in which her character accepts a glass of milk from Dickinson's character.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Glasner has repeatedly referenced it as a reason for Palace’s slow start.
    Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Though the picture's caption doesn't specify the aircraft's destination, the local Arizona outlet ABC15 News reported that the migrants were deported to Guatemala.
    Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The charge specifies that the suspect targeted either a single victim or one or more members of a single household, with the knowledge or reason to believe that his actions would cause terrorization under the circumstances.
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Several impressive monologues, including a cynical diatribe from Ally in a restaurant that grounds much of the first act, demonstrate Ruben’s knack for keeping his actors in the same movie.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Chair Marissa Gillett has consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise, a deep commitment to Connecticut ratepayers, and an unwavering focus on grid reliability and environmental responsibility.
    Rep. Jaime Foster, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • By around noon on Monday, the mother noticed her 9-year-old son was not breathing, then called a family friend to take him to the hospital, according to the police chief.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Spike noticed and took to Instagram to speak on the parallels between his work over the years and pgLang’s impressive production.
    Angel Diaz, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near instance

Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on instance

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