specimen

Synonym Chooser

How is the word specimen distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of specimen are case, example, illustration, instance, and sample. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

When could case be used to replace specimen?

While in some cases nearly identical to specimen, 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 would example be a good substitute for specimen?

The words example and specimen can be used in similar contexts, but example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

In what contexts can illustration take the place of specimen?

In some situations, the words illustration and specimen are roughly equivalent. However, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When can instance be used instead of specimen?

The meanings of instance and specimen largely overlap; however, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

Where would sample be a reasonable alternative to specimen?

Although the words sample and specimen have much in common, 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

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 specimen Dead specimens were recorded in Sumatra in 1915, then there was no mention of the species until a few unconfirmed images appeared on iNaturalist in 2023 and 2024, according to the study. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025 Curio shops may sell items ranging from vintage taxidermy and unusual natural specimens to antique medical instruments and historical artifacts. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025 This means specimens no longer need to be sent via plane to Austin, reducing the time to get results from 72 hours to the same day. Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025 Recent funding has supported the digitization of over 2,000 vertebrate specimens, including rare and endangered species. Devon Akmon, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specimen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specimen
Noun
  • Go to a person who has vetted out skincare and who is really interested in taking good care of you, not taking your money.
    Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The round, dark-colored tea caddy is named after the Japanese person who owned it during the Meiji period (1868-1912).
    Nathan Pugh, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics says a child taking puberty blockers could experience stress or lower self-esteem as their peers reach puberty.
    Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • This year, for example, the company will have Olympians like Simone Biles and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone participating, with The Voice winner Gina Miles performing the national anthem.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Lucas accidentally kills a man with whom he’s had a public beef and is sentenced to hang.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • In the third incident, a man was rushed to a hospital in critical condition, while a woman was nearly wounded by gunfire, police noted.
    Greg Wehner , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • In the three weeks following Trump’s April 2 announcement, Amazon prices rose 4.2% on 50 products, according to a sample conducted by MoffettNathanson Research, an equity research firm.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • In the very small four-game sample size of 22 total minutes, the lineup has an offensive rating of 128.9 points per 100 possessions and a defensive rating of 75.6, good for an out-of-this-world 53.3 net rating.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Enter Johnson and a new era, and a draft class full of guys who ooze competitiveness.
    Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • This made sense: the Pope from Buenos Aires was, by nature, an urban guy.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Looking ahead, the two are most excited about experiencing life’s milestones as a family.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The pool, hot tub, and firepit are all great daytime or post-sunset hangs, but the waterfall in the corner of the backyard offers a soundtrack that’ll send you far from the worries of daily life.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the mountains of Papua New Guinea, researchers encountered a clownish creature perched on a log in a fern meadow, basking in the sun.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025
  • There are no Jedis, no secrets about Darth Vader's past for Reddit sleuths to hunt down, no adorable creatures to slap on backpacks and lunchboxes.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Adopting a Zen mindset—understanding one's mental processes and responding clearly—can help individuals overcome these challenges.
    William Jones, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • He’s also gone after individuals for purposes of sheer revenge.
    The Editors, National Review, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Specimen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specimen. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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