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
Looking at the past five years, Dell Technologies has seen a negative one-day return following its earnings announcements in 53% of instances. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 May 28, 2025 What's different today is that the Israeli defense forces used a high-energy laser capable of locking onto and destroying a drone by, in at least one instance, burning off the wings. David Szondy, New Atlas, 28 May 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, the family of Martin Gutierrez, whose body was found in the lake in 2018, before the media frenzy around Lady Bird Lake, believe he was drugged while on a night out.
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
  • For example, many foreign governments have sought to sign contracts with Musk’s Starlink service, which some diplomats have told CNN was viewed as helpful to trade talks.
    Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • The year 2050 is often cited by those who study climate change, trying to anticipate its effects and how to mitigate and adapt to global warming.
    Robert G. Eccles, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Anwar cites one important aspect of the bill which prohibits the HSPU from granting a request for intervenor status in any public hearing for a group practice’s CON application.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Even senior aides like Clive Alderton, also mentioned in Harry’s memoir, are unlikely to push for a personal outreach.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • This rates mention because readers of the book might be tempted to skip the many ancient names in the book, first half of the twentieth century names, along with the females.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • However, as one family’s experience illustrates, the story of the Great Wealth Transfer is far more complex.
    Joseph Coughlin, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • To illustrate the scale of this complexity, Lin explains that there can be seemingly endless ticket combinations for trips between Los Angeles and London.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Zuckerberg also referenced another viral moment in Boone's performance.
    Grace Harrington, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • Hegseth, in his own remarks, repeatedly referenced the men who sacrificed their lives for the nation but made no reference to women who have served in the military or died in combat.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • The report also specifies that North America travelers increased 11 percent over the time period.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2025
  • Though the park did not specify what year the church was developed, scholars generally say that Late Antiquity occurred between the third and sixth centuries.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Of course, none of that would matter if the team had not demonstrated strong fan support and signed up those 10,000 season-ticket holders, which is around the same number the Warriors have in the same arena—albeit at a lower price.
    Matt Craig, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The lander also carried a water electrolyzer experiment to demonstrate technologies that could split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, critical resources for a future Moon base.
    Stephen Clark – Jun 6, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Other journalists noticed a drop-off in performance for the convertibles, and probably more so than the mild weight gains of just about 100 lbs (45 kg) might suggest.
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
  • Karen Walsh began to notice a change in her husband back in 2017.
    Jon Hamilton, NPR, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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