instances 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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instances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of instance
1
2
3

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
State officials said the isolated instances of noncitizens voting, if accurate, are not evidence of widespread voter fraud. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 In other instances, loan officers are being pressured by their bosses to convince people to refi. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026 This appears to be one of many unfortunate instances across the country where congressional offices have received mail containing unknown, suspicious substances. — Olivia Young, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 In an effort to ensure instances of true neglect don’t fall through the cracks, state laws typically use vague language. — Jennifer L. Brinkley, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 Luckily, the best online engagement ring retailers offer warranties against manufacturing defects which guarantee no-cost repairs or store credit in certain instances, not to mention complimentary return periods. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 Further instances of moderate flooding are likely during Monday’s high tides and a similar rhythm of issues will continue through at least midweek. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 But beyond that particular case, the suit says, the agents and analysts had a diversity of career experience, including expertise in the counterintelligence threat from Iran and instances of helping recover American hostages held abroad. — Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026 These players want the opportunity to return to college, even though their college careers are over, and in some instances, the players have signed with professional teams. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instances
Noun
  • Both examples demonstrate how local champions and an existing source of funding can help turn a lifesaving idea into reality.
    — Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • One of the biggest examples came in 2024, when attackers targeted Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • To support that conclusion, Gates cites a demand in Washburn’s petition to CWP that would prohibit the council from doing any outreach that promotes the role of hunting in wildlife management fully six months before an election.
    — Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Officer Key cites the duo's relationships with nonprofit organizations as a plus when an older adult needs help.
    — Lisa Hughes, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Then stopped writing, and took a job at the post office (someone mentions Bukowski, don’t worry) for forty years.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But nearly every government banning social media platforms for young people mentions their mental health as a reason.
    — Ari Lightman, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • That kind of attachment illustrates something about modern business.
    — Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Its flight heritage illustrates the importance of dependable computing hardware in missions where repairs are difficult or impossible.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
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
Verb
  • On a recent Monday morning in Santa Monica, beach volleyball phenom Sally Perez steps onto the sand and immediately notices that all the nets are hung to men’s standard height, not women’s.
    — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Her 7-year-old hears the conversations around her, sees the protests in her community and notices the visiting canal personnel.
    — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Fu believes that example demonstrates the potential importance of direct diplomatic intervention, although the circumstances of Jin's release do not establish that such pressure would produce the same result in Wang's case.
    — Mitch Picasso, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • As the movie demonstrates, Macdonald’s credentials as a comic’s comic were unassailable.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • However, the contract lists Sacramento as Kennah's office and specifies the lower rate.
    — Tyler Horst, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The measure specifies how that fire-agency funding would be divided, based on the proportion of full-time fire engines each agency operated as of November 2025.
    — Haley Parsley October 12, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Instances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instances. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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