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
The piece in The Guardian also describes several instances in which Walliams’s behavior crossed lines in the workplace. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2026 In other instances, Brazil would give vision or medical screenings and parking lessons, rather than behind-the-wheel instruction, according to the complaint. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2026 There were instances the previous week in which the Seattle Seahawks disguised blitzes or simply beat the protection. — Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026 In other instances, patients and their families were not told why the patient was being seen by a teleICU doctor rather than a bedside doctor. — Alana Semuels, Time, 10 Nov. 2026 From there, the wastewater travels through sewer pipes to a treatment plant or, in some instances, a septic system. — Sarah Kuta, Popular Science, 8 Nov. 2026 There’s also an endless number of instances where AI can assist QA engineers and developers. — Stefan Gogoll, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026 Even the administration's own record of arrests and charges has demonstrated what research and state investigations have made clear for years — that instances of noncitizens casting ballots are extremely rare. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026 Since 1934, there have been just three instances in which the sitting president's party has gained House seats in non-presidential election years, according to the American Presidency Project. — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instances
Noun
  • The scenarios in which these tradeoffs may take place are wide-ranging, with the Anthropic researchers citing opening an auto plant, downsizing a company, and manipulating election sentiment as examples.
    — Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Others asked about the lack of Taiwan-specific production examples illustrating copyright disputes and legal responsibilities, given the presentation’s reliance on international cases.
    — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Their letter cites, in part, a recent decision out of a Boston federal court that determined medically frail people should not be bound by the work requirement qualification rules.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Everyone cites William Faulkner, even though nobody has definitively sourced it.
    — Claire Howorth, Vanity Fair, 13 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Edison mentions an abusive boyfriend of Leonora’s, and there is one scene, set at a public park, where some of Arlo’s suppressed trauma flares violently into the open.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026
  • When Lee mentions Nathan Spence was meant to attend the program, Jed barely flinches, expressing sympathy for the boy’s confused and grieving mother.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Kindred Black, founded in 2014 by Alice Kindred Wells and Jennifer Black Francis, illustrates the model.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2026
  • And 2025 statewide data from Utah illustrates the problem with unusual clarity.
    — Susan Madsen, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 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
  • Explain what would help instead of hoping someone notices your frustration.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Nov. 2026
  • D’Angelo, for example, described a system that notices a former smoker turning 50, confirms insurance has approved lung cancer screening, and offers nearby appointments, all without having a human pour through the records in the first place.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Diana Lin, a researcher at the San Francisco Estuary Institute, said the study was impressive, and demonstrates novel and effective methods for detecting microplastics in the snow.
    — Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Its development also demonstrates how advanced manufacturing techniques can simplify rocket engine production.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The will specifies that, until his children turn 21, the trustee, at his discretion, is to use their share to either pay or apply the funds for each child’s benefit and then set aside for them any unused principal.
    — Claudia Rosenbaum, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Instances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instances. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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