instances 1 of 2

Definition of instancesnext
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
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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
In 2023, the Department of Justice established the first nationwide database documenting instances of police misconduct. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026 Brian Hill, executive director of the Connecticut Judicial Branch’s Administrative Services Division, said the compensation disparity between judges and private-sector attorneys, in some instances, is even greater. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2026 In 22 of those 23 years, The Kansas City Star couldn’t figure out how to spell his first name, publishing all of four paragraphs on his case in two separate instances. Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Feb. 2026 But there have been only four instances of the eventual NBA Finals winner not being among the league’s top-five teams record-wise at the All-Star break. Tim Reynolds, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026 When to use bleach There are a few instances in which bleach is worth using. Jamie Friedlander Serrano, Time, 17 Feb. 2026 Navalnaya said her husband exhibited no instances of heart disease before he was imprisoned. CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026 Sensing there are stretches that require at least a modicum of steering, Brettkelly gets one or two of the older guys to do somewhat jarring off-camera narration/summation, in which the speaker is identified in subtitles in some instances and not others. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026 Naturally, these instances didn’t age well and have long drawn post-mortem criticisms. Hunter Lacey, Allure, 16 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instances
Noun
  • Here are some examples of how less information is coming out of federal public health agencies than in past administrations.
    Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • These examples demonstrate that engaging and building community, whether within Blue Zones or beyond, are possible and fundamental to building healthier, more resilient populations.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • One outdoor website cites advances in gear, including lightweight skis, specialized bindings, and boots, as contributing to the popularity of the once-niche pastime.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The analysis also cites Meta findings that only a tiny fraction of young Instagram users were enrolled in its parental oversight tool as of March 2025, although the company touts it as central to its safety push.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Marsh mentions an old Catholic tradition that Fridays are a day of penance.
    Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Among those files is an October 2011 email to Epstein, in which Gelernter mentions a software project to be built.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The situation illustrates how decades after the devastating 1990s wars in the former Yugoslavia, the region lags behind the rest of Europe both economically and with regard to environmental protection.
    Eldar Emric, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Altman’s frustration perfectly illustrates how AI companies have driven themselves into a corner.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In the footage, the person approaches the front door, notices the camera and tries to cover the lens with their hand.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Hart also shared that staying hydrated has been a challenge for her over the years, joking that her husband, musician Mark Wilkerson, notices her dislike for drinking water.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • However, walking out of class demonstrates disrespect to the teachers who care for their well-being and support these students on a daily basis.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
  • In this paradigm, the human demonstrates the task (by directly moving the robot’s arm or recording themselves performing an action) to teach it, for example, to serve water or organize a shelf.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The bill specifies that the armed volunteers would be able to provide services on any property owned or leased by a religious institution, including property used for education.
    Lauren Costantino February 5, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The listing typically specifies the max size and hookup situation.
    Outside, Outside, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The front entrance also features the bronze sculpture Hands of Peace by Henry Azaz, which quotes a blessing in the Book of Numbers.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Kimmel quotes from one popular manual, published in 1916, that advised quieting a crying baby by flipping it over and administering a vigorous spanking.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Instances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instances. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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