Synonyms of sample

sample 1 of 2

noun

ˈsam-pəl 

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

• sampling
• selection
• sampler
• cross section
• slice
• example
• specimen
• instance
• representative
• prototype
• illustration
• case
• paradigm
• exemplification
• classic
• exemplar
• microcosm
• locus classicus
• archetype

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

• example
• specimen
• illustration
• instance
• representative
• case
• prototype
• case in point
• indication
• exemplification
• exemplar
• cross section
• evidence
• paradigm
• classic
• manifestation
• sign
• microcosm
• locus classicus
• archetype

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

• test
• examine
• try (out)
• explore
• study
• investigate
• check (out)
• feel (out)
• research
• experiment (with)
• resample
• retest

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

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

Recent Examples of sample

Noun

The West of England Wildlife Index gives individual observations a framework to feed into — a volunteer spots something unusual, a DNA sample gets extracted and sequenced at a university, and a new species record gets confirmed. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026

There are other complications as well, which are related to the relatively small sample sizes and diversity of dangers involved in human spaceflight. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2026

Verb

Clindamycin alone, taken in the year before sampling, was linked to changes in the abundance of almost 300 bacterial species. —Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026

More than 80% of the cherries, strawberries and grapes sampled carried PFAS residue. —Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026