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
  • 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
  • Hamby, for example, accuses former Aces GM Natalie Williams of implying during a radio interview that the team learned of Hamby’s pregnancy in June 2022.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Some residents opposed the development, citing traffic congestion and neighborhood safety.
    Emilie Takahashi, Oc Register, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Numbers mentioned in the media have suggested a fee in the region of €60 million ($70 million).
    Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Not to mention, there is a great walking path that connects to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
    Katie Black, Charlotte Observer, 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
  • 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
  • Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military also struck the headquarters of Iran's internal security forces, without specifying the agency or location.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Your contrarian takes demonstrate independent thinking that can't be faked or prompted into existence.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • Authorities were first alerted to a potential issue after Disneyland Paris staff noticed that the bride at a pre-scheduled wedding appeared alarmingly young, per The Sunday Times.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 23 June 2025
  • But once the group noticed that Ginny had already died and turned to a zombie, Maggie could not finish the job, and instead handed her knife to Negan to finish off the young girl.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 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 30 Jun. 2025.

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