INSTANCES Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

instances 1 of 2

noun

plural of instance

as in examples

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

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Relevance

instances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of instance

as in cites

to give as an example instanced one particular incident as an illustration of their penchant for practical jokes

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as in mentions

to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically instanced the latest astronomical research in her presentation on measuring star magnitude

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in illustrates

to show or make clear by using examples instanced the hero's moral courage with several examples from the novel

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 instances

Noun

Overall, the use of less-lethal weapons rose 57% last year, while instances of officers pointing guns at suspects dropped 18%. —

Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2026 This is one of several instances of emotional realism that pierce the film’s temporal veil — turning it, in theory, from a series of recollections into a more pressing and contemporary saga of how war trickles down and transforms the lives of young girls in fundamental ways. —

Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 May 2026 During his statewide travels over the last two weeks, Warner said he was told of some instances where people returned to their vehicle to retrieve a photo ID after entering a polling place. —

John Raby, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 While only seven instances have been witnessed by researchers, Emily Yeager, a marine researcher at Miami University, told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that the phenomenon likely happens much more often. —

Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 Although proxy voting is barred, some members of the House have been accused of still casting votes on behalf of other members in some instances. —

Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 12 May 2026 Over that period, there were 220 instances of countries entering recession. —

Simone Stolzoff, Time, 12 May 2026 After five years of enforcing various reservation systems designed to regulate vehicle access during the park’s busiest months, Yosemite has nixed its entry requirements for 2026—a decision that's already led to instances of overcrowding at the popular park. —

Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026 In the letter, the district questioned what policy changes were needed when the department didn’t cite any specific instances of the district violating Title IX, FERPA or Kansas law. —

Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instances

Noun

His furniture regularly commands staggering prices at auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s, while his architectural works are increasingly gaining recognition as some of the most important examples of postwar Italian modernism.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 May 2026
Well, there's a couple examples.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 13 May 2026