Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

sample

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of sample

to put (something) to a test

  • sampled the soup to see if it tasted good
Synonyms of sample

test, try (out)
Words Related to sample

check (out), examine, experiment (with), explore, feel (out), investigate, research, study

resample, retest

sample

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of sample

1 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 of sample

cross section, sampler, sampling, selection, slice
Words Related to sample

case, example, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, instance, representative, specimen

archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm, prototype

microcosm

2 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 of sample

case, example, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, instance, prototype, representative, specimen
Words Related to sample

archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm

cross section, microcosm

evidence, indication, manifestation, sign
Phrases Synonymous with sample

case in point

Synonym Discussion of sample

instance, case, illustration, example, sample, specimen mean something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category. instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.
    • an instance of history repeating itself
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
illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.
    • a telling illustration of Murphy's Law
example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.
    • a typical example of bureaucratic waste
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
specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.
    • one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

Learn More about sample

  1. See words that rhyme with sample Dictionary: Definition of sample Medical Dictionary: Definition of sample Spanish Central: Translation of sample Nglish: Translation of sample for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sample for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up sample? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

recalcitrant

obstinately defiant of authority

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. gaslight It is a word, though.

  2. invasion CNN reporter questions President.

  3. relevancy Ariana Grande slams ex-fiancé.

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games