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
For the Spring Mountains, which are included in the advisory area, there have been only four other instances dating to 2006 in which winter weather advisories were issued in October. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 The findings also cited instances of trans athletes competing in girls' Alpine and Nordic skiing, lacrosse, track and field, and volleyball in Minnesota. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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 But there’s been plenty of room for errors and hallucinations, instances when chatbots like ChatGPT have concocted inaccurate—and sometimes worrying—answers to questions. Joseph Abrams, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for instance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instance
Noun
  • Sea star wasting disease is a rare example of a fast and coordinated response to a marine epidemic.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 17 Oct. 2025
  • This is also a great time to marvel at other examples of the city’s architecture, like the Catedral de Mallorca, a cathedral towering over the city skyline and the Llotja de Palma, a 15th-century Gothic guildhall that frequently hosts art exhibitions.
    Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ally Financial — The stock is up 2% after TD Cowen upgraded the financial services company to buy from hold, citing Ally's credit and margin strength.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In the early hours of March 16, Gunter and multiple other young children were in Dillard’s apartment in the Planeview neighborhood of Wichita while Dillard and her adult friends did tequila shots in her parked car, ABC affiliate KAKE reported, citing court documents.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The barrels for Camp Nelson E were pulled from the fifth floor of this seven-story rickhouse, and as mentioned before the whiskey was bottled at 128 proof.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Parker told the gathering that government officials have received a record number of death threats and mentioned a December 2022 incident when a casket bearing the names of people killed by police was left on her lawn, according to Schatzline.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • To illustrate Renoir’s creative process, several of his major paintings will be reunited with and displayed alongside their related drawings.
    Jane Levere, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The Yore duffel bag was exhibited in its pattern pieces, illustrating the 78 parts and 72 hours of craftsmanship required for each creation.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The post appeared to reference the couple's honeymoon.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Charlton does not reference February 1958, but United’s last match pre-Munich was in the quarter-final of the European Cup, at Red Star.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Spotify’s blog post didn’t specify whether the development would be opt-in or opt-out to determine training permissions.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The law did not specify whether the hanging should be public or private.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Like something out of an early Transformers movie, researchers at Caltech have just demonstrated how a humanoid and a drone can team up to accomplish multiple forms of movement.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The department intends to make sure participants have a safe space to demonstrate and intends stop any unlawful activity.
    Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Shout out to @CamInman who noticed the 49ers had just 10 defenders (three linemen) on the play on which Fred Warner was injured.
    Matt Barrows, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Other rockers are starting to notice this positive trend, and theorize about why the kids are connecting so hard with bands who aren’t remotely humanized.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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