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
The commercial features Fox receiving a sample of the Lemme Play gummies and calling up Kardashian Barker on her retro phone to inquire after the gift. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 May 2025 These samples can be stored inside the device or pulled back through a cable connected to the robot. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2025
Verb
Column: Will sampling Chicago Bulls uniforms help the White Sox dress for success? Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2025 There was nothing wrong with the water, which was sampled regularly at the stations scattered around the city, Mr. Rush said. Yuvraj Khanna, New York Times, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sample
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sample
Noun
  • Tickets for unlimited sampling cost $55+, or $100+ for VIP (includes early entry at 3 p.m.).
    Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2025
  • So far, sampling has found nearly 12% of U.S. water utilities are above the Biden administration’s limits.
    Michael Phillis, Twin Cities, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • For example, staff shortages at the National Weather Service have resulted in reduced or halted daily weather balloon launches, changed schedules for some forecast advisories and fewer social media posts about weather conditions.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Take, for example, longtime Lyonne pal and former Orange Is the New Black scene partner Uzo Aduba.
    EW.com, EW.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • As someone who’s tested his fair share of add-on lenses for smartphones, this one feels much more premium.
    Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Boom tested the material for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the Department of Defense’s organization for accelerating the adoption of commercial and dual-use technology, and the Air Force Operational Energy Office, dedicated to increasing operational efficiency of military aircraft.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • The architecture of the retina remained completely intact across multiple specimens.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • These European footprints are not as old as the ones from Australia, but are still older than previous specimens.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sample.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sample. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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