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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instances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of instance
1
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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2
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
3
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
The company disclosed four separate instances in which its AI models accessed third-party systems without instructions to do so, including one in which an agent changed system settings and read a person’s personal information. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 26 Oct. 2026 The company also has strict policies against bullying through Google Classroom and Google for Education products, as well as offering tools for students to report instances of cruelty to administrators, according to Google. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026 The court has placed that type of outside political advocacy in a different category from campaigns run directly by candidates, which are in many instances subject to fundraising limits. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 Under Sorrells, attorneys representing the state often rely on equally inexperienced colleagues or, in some instances, opposing counsel, for training, sources said. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026 In those instances, the Department of Transportation requires the carriers to ask passengers to volunteer their seats in exchange for compensation. — Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026 In most instances, those with shigellosis are able to recover on their own, but patients with more severe cases may require antibiotics and hospitalization. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 23 Oct. 2026 The few instances of panic were magnified by newspapers eager to discredit the new medium of radio. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026 Other federal agencies amplified the statement on social media, even as the administration’s own investigations have demonstrated that such instances are incredibly rare and been shown not to change the outcome of elections. — ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instances
  1. examples
  2. cites
  3. mentions
  4. illustrates
  5. references
  6. notices
  7. demonstrates
  8. specifies
Noun
  • The world’s highest-profile tech billionaires offer the most conspicuous examples.
    — Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The original plan for 25 street-legal M6 GTs was eventually altered to 50 examples due to FIA requirements, but production never came to fruition, derailed by the 32-year-old McLaren’s death during testing at Goodwood in 1970.
    — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of examples
Verb
  • The foundation cites decades of research and learning showing that grantees with flexible, long-term funding were better prepared for the unexpected.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The same report cites a shopper who ran a blind taste test of Aldi’s L’oven bagels against Thomas’ bagels and preferred the Aldi version.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of cites
Verb
  • The document specifically mentions AI tutors and assistance for students falling behind in the curriculum.
    — Dmytro Korchevskyi, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Curry mentions that some water utilities have even implemented mandatory bans on winter lawn watering and spray irrigation because of severe drought and low reservoir levels, including Denver Water—the largest water utility in Colorado.
    — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of mentions
Verb
  • Listen displays album artwork and playback information, while Climate illustrates cabin airflow and seat temperature.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The record illustrates how artists can combine music, video content, and direct engagement with listeners.
    — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of illustrates
Verb
  • Small Town Girls references two shootings, a reference to the gun violence that’s a staple of American life, now more than ever.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
Definition of references
Verb
  • Andrew Taylor-Parr, the image director for Comme des Garçons (who actually lives in the Barbican), notices the appeal of raw materials and strong form against the modern backdrop of visual noise and commercial polish.
    — Alex Eagle, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Officials urged anyone who notices suspicious signs of infestation to report them immediately.
    — Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of notices
Verb
  • Doe’s case demonstrates just how complex Title IX cases are, even under the more protective policies afforded to accusers by past presidential administrations.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • For now, the work demonstrates a limited but automated connection between detecting an odor and recreating a corresponding scent elsewhere.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of demonstrates
Verb
  • But any agreement that specifies which uses of AI are taboo would be better than a status quo that prohibits none.
    — NIALL FERGUSON, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026
  • However, the contract lists Sacramento as Kennah's office and specifies the lower rate.
    — Tyler Horst, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of specifies

Browse Nearby Words

instanced
instances
instancies
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Cite this Entry

“Instances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instances. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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