Synonyms of specimen

specimen

noun

ˈspes-mən 

1

as in example

one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like

chose one frog as a good specimen of the breed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

2

as in person

a member of the human race

he's a particularly handsome specimen

Synonyms & Similar Words

• person
• man
• guy
• life
• creature
• bird
• individual
• body
• fish
• human
• thing
• soul
• character
• being
• sort
• duck
• egg
• customer
• baby
• party
• scout
• personality
• human being
• cookie
• face
• bod
• devil
• personage
• mortal
• son of man
• wight
• fellow
• head
• stiff
• slob
• brother
• neighbor
• hominid
• self
• homo
• humanoid
• somebody
• celebrity
• fellowman

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• animal
• beast
• critter
• brute
• beastie

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

Recent Examples of specimen

The terrain was so rough that our vehicles could take us only part of the way, forcing us to hike over sharp rocks carrying equipment, food, water and eventually fossil specimens. —Sanaa El-Sayed, The Conversation, 4 June 2026

Plant wild ginger in groups rather than specimens and a spot without competition from taller plants. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 4 June 2026

The specimens at the Theodore Payne Foundation’s Sun Valley nursery just began to bloom and should keep it up until August. —Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026

Kew Gardens, which began in 1759 as a retreat for the royal family, now encompasses the most biodiverse collection in the world, with 17,000 unique plant species, some specimens of which had been gathered, since the 1700s, by British explorers and adventurers roaming the globe. —Laura Manske, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026