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 report warns that the number of mob lynchings is growing, as are the instances of extrajudicial killings by the Haitian national police. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025 The analysis showed that the sound from the fatal flight was over 97 percent consistent with a different instance of emergency turbine deployment. Mika Gröndahl, New York Times, 28 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
  • For example, one of my most popular services is writing wedding speeches.
    Jen Glantz, CNBC, 30 June 2025
  • For example, in many aerospace programs, each Form 3 submission contains 80 to 150 individual specifications on average, ranging from dimensions to materials, notes and finish requirements.
    Prashant Kondle, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Amazon has announced 27,000 layoffs since 2022, for some of which AI efficiencies were explicitly cited.
    Jim Euchner, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • In June, Russia launched more than 5,300 Shahed-type drones in a series of mass attacks that have become more frequent and more deadly, reported the Kyiv Independent, citing the Ukrainian Air Force.
    Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • As mentioned, coconut contains a significant amount of fiber and MCTs.
    Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025
  • Morton, 43, may take that advice under serious consideration, mentioning how tough the fans – and even fellow cast members – have been on her following this past season’s cast trip to Grenada.
    John Lawson, Essence, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The three friends who wrote and illustrated the story felt that those three stages were the perfect way to justify the collaboration.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 July 2025
  • When philosophy meets contract law The Microsoft-OpenAI dispute illustrates what happens when philosophical speculation is turned into legal obligations.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The group’s 2023 FOIA request sought internal emails, planning documents, and communications among top officials referencing race, equity, and transplantation policy.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • Trump also referenced false claims that Mamdani is in the country illegally.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Without specifying any figures, Sinclair says its ratings for women’s tennis have grown since 2023, especially among the coveted 18-to-34-year-old demographic.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
  • This must include at least 100 MHz from 3.98 to 4.2 GHz, but the plan doesn't specify where the rest of the 300 MHz or more would be taken from.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • During the clip, Row's husband repeatedly demonstrated the simple action of placing the ball into the machine before it was thrown out of the other side.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • Huge crowds and great joy demonstrated how proud South Florida is of its hockey team.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Sports fans may notice a difference in the race calls this season as longtime announcer Trevor Denman announced his retirement in March.
    Kelley Carlson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
  • Maybe right after lunchtime or dinnertime, everyone takes the time to notice what needs to go back to its place or chooses a specific room to tackle.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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