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
Minnesota is seeking a declaration that TikTok’s practices are deceptive, unfair or unconscionable under state law, a permanent injunction against those practices, and up to $25,000 for each instance in which a Minnesota child has accessed TikTok. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025 There have been about 24 instances of bushmeat since October, the start of the federal fiscal year, Fawaz said. Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 20 Aug. 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
  • American Airlines, for example, is working with the FAA to develop more fuel efficient routes for its flights.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • This is why schools should explain their AI policies in plain language, provide examples of responsible use, and offer resources for parents who want to support responsible AI use at home.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Their reasons are practical and emotional: 76% cited concern for LGBTQ rights in general, while 71% cited hostile social and political environments.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The vehicle hit a road divider and then crashed into a pole with the couple's three children also in the vehicle, per The National, which cited both an uncle and the children's maternal grandfather, Syed Ismail.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Not to mention the larger-than-life absence of one Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall).
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 15 Aug. 2025
  • First there’s the commute itself, then, dealing with lugging all of my stuff out to the sand, and the less than pleasant bathrooms… not to mention the overpriced boardwalk food.
    Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But the past 11 games have illustrated how the Padres are at their best.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Radiohead’s performance on charts all around the world throughout 2025 illustrates the power of virality in today’s music industry.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Armenia’s constitution references Nagorno-Karabakh, something Baku views as intolerable.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2025
  • On the final practice of KU’s summer session, Self referenced one of the Spurs’ greatest contributions to basketball: the 0.5 rule, which requires a player to make a decision — shoot, pass or drive — in a half a second.
    CJ Moore, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages and costs, as well as a jury trial, but does not specify an amount.
    Mark Harper, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Using numbers to mark their love timeline is quite fitting, seeing as their wedding program from two years ago also specified exactly how long they had been engaged before tying the knot.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • And that’s before Google’s new software is demonstrated next week.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The abundance of recent research into the gut-brain connection has demonstrated how important the link is between the two organs, and how their communication can affect mood and mental health.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Radhi, an Ayurvedic enthusiast, noticed Jay’s sweet tooth was something deeper than an occasional craving.
    Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • In the meantime, both Hulu and Disney+ are available as stand-alone apps or to purchase as a package As viewers may have noticed, several shows have become streamable on both platforms over the last few years.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

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