sample 1 of 2

1
as in sampling
a number of things selected from a group to stand for the whole based on a sample of the menu items, we decided that this was the best restaurant in town

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this vase is a sample of the high-quality glassware that the glassblowers can produce

Synonyms & Similar Words

sample

2 of 2

verb

as in to test
to put (something) to a test sampled the soup to see if it tasted good

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sample distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sample are case, example, illustration, instance, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities.

show us a sample of your work

When is case a more appropriate choice than sample?

While in some cases nearly identical to sample, case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with.

a case of mistaken identity

When can example be used instead of sample?

The meanings of example and sample largely overlap; however, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When could illustration be used to replace sample?

Although the words illustration and sample have much in common, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When might instance be a better fit than sample?

In some situations, the words instance and sample are roughly equivalent. However, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

In what contexts can specimen take the place of sample?

The synonyms specimen and sample are sometimes interchangeable, but specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

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 sample
Noun
In the process, the team reviewed multiple samples, fine-tuning the bottle, the box, and overall packaging of Roué until all parties were satisfied. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 17 Oct. 2025 The biggest reason for optimism is that the sample size is still very, very small. Peter Baugh, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
The contamination was discovered after sampling conducted by food inspectors at the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and subsequent analysis by personnel at The Food Laboratory, revealed the presence of listeria in both products. Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 In the run-up to the Minnesota Wild’s 2025-26 home opener on Saturday, members of the media were invited to sample some of the new offerings at various stands throughout the arena. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sample
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sample
Noun
  • The team used laser ablation mass spectrometry (LA-MS), a technique that uses direct micro-scale sampling to provide high-precision elemental and isotope analyses of solid materials, to scan Neanderthal molars and other hominid fossils.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Wholesale Produce Supply of Minneapolis, Minnesota, issued a voluntary recall on September 26 after routine sampling showed potential bacteria contamination.
    News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • One example of such smaller space weather events is a magnetic flux rope—bundles of magnetic fields wrapped around each other like a rope.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 24 Oct. 2025
  • One of the most famous examples of a major business leader succeeding from failure was Apple’s visionary cofounder Steve Jobs.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Police said that the driver sustained minor injuries and tested negative for any alcohol.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Needing to test the waterproof knee-length wool coat without getting heat stroke, the founder and CEO of the then-fledgling apparel brand took it to a supermarket in West Harlem.
    Megan Sauer, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The specimens ranged in age and size.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Much of her work involved mounting plant specimens on archival paper for storage.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sample.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sample. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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