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

Relevance

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
  • Yet park rangers continued to cite Hubbard under that section, issuing two misdemeanor citations in May 2025, as well as a third that cited a different section of the ordinance, the most recent lawsuit alleges.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • According to Michigan Advance, the measure passed by a 5–4 vote, with several councilmembers and critics citing high costs and privacy concerns during Tuesday’s hearing.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The department’s limited release of materials prompted outcry and lawsuits from people saying the department was acting to protect rich and powerful people mentioned in the files.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • There are a couple of biological facts that should be mentioned.
    Jack G. Mell, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The Pew report illustrates why homeownership is increasingly the province of older Americans, and why first-time buyers seem like a vanishing breed.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The design and materials of devices such as bone saws, fleams and scarifacators – used to bleed veins and skin surfaces – illustrate the close affinity of humans with other animals.
    Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • And in Connecticut, Klimkiewicz said, filings are generally longer and reference more statutes.
    Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026
  • 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
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
  • Alnaji was part of a pro-Palestinian group protesting over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Kessler was demonstrating in support of Israel, authorities have said.
    Phil Helsel, NBC news, 2 July 2026
  • The resulting bio-char demonstrated a heating value of 29 MJ/kg, meaning that burning 1 kg of the fuel will provide 29 MJ of thermal energy.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Rest, review, and notice what keeps repeating in your mind.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026
  • Some of you may notice that income streams are shifting, checks are being delayed or there are confusing charges on your accounts.
    Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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