instance 1 of 2

Definition of instancenext
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
In this instance, the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party will launch a leadership contest and the winner will become the Prime Minister. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 June 2026 Messi is the rare instance of a player who can control the world with his feet, but not America. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026
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
  • The Chicago suburb of Kenilworth and the Washington, DC, suburb of Chevy Chase, for example, have fewer than 5,000 households each.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • This is just one example of the many good Turkish Clinics that offer hair transplants at lower prices than those in some markets.
    Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Other reviewers have cited the high quality of the material, as well as its ideal fit.
    Sarah DiMuro, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
  • Cepeda has challenged the results, citing irregularities at thousands of polling stations.
    David Unsworth, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • King’s attorney, Bill Mason, began his presentation by referencing Bosworth’s mentioning a defendant can’t be judged for not testifying in their own defense.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
  • Daeron has not yet appeared in House of the Dragon but is mentioned in the second season’s sixth episode when Alicent asks her brother Gwayne (Freddie Fox) how Daeron is doing in Oldtown.
    Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • During the preference sheet meeting, the major difference in Kayley and Genevieve’s attitudes is perfectly illustrated.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 June 2026
  • The scale of the fund, and the involvement of multiple international partners, illustrates Abu Dhabi’s ambition to use AI to help diversify its economy, and its credibility as an investor.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The signs appeared to reference questions about what the king knew about his brother’s dealings with Epstein.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 20 June 2026
  • Cross-functional teams need a common understanding of how the business operates, so that people, agents and decisions all reference the same operational reality.
    Dave Grow, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Ablakwa did not specify the specific types of artifacts, nor where they are currently being held.
    Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 22 June 2026
  • There is no difference specified under the law.
    Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Ukraine’s ability to strike military production facilities, fuel depots, ammunition storage sites and critical infrastructure hundreds of miles from the front lines has demonstrated a remarkable evolution in its strategic capabilities.
    Hunter LaCroix, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026
  • To earn belief, leaders must protect early adopters, welcome critical feedback, and demonstrate value through real-world examples.
    Julie Averill, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Sensors alone are not a cure for such failures, but better measurements can help engineers notice when important details are changing.
    Alex Krasnok, Fortune, 21 June 2026
  • Pryor also noticed that Black students were frequently more hesitant to participate in these conversations.
    Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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