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 But such testing is often prohibitively expensive and, when dealing with historic specimens, not consistently precise. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 June 2025 In Colorado, the Green River Formation has yielded at least four specimens from forty-eight million years ago, during the Eocene, and the nearby Florissant Formation a dozen species, thirteen million years later. Lewis Hyde, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025 While creating an onsite museum for his collection of marine specimens, Vanderbilt established a trust fund for his estate to fully become a museum upon his death in 1944. Michele Herrmann, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025 Instead, everything scientists know about the species has come from dead specimens captured in fishing nets or from beaks found in the stomachs of other animals. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for specimen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specimen
Noun
  • For example, a set of blue chairs at the far end of a rectangular garden will make the space feel larger than a set of red chairs in the same place.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • For example, her grandmother is justifying a need to obtain a Russian passport to gain access to the health care and social services, said Maria.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Six other vacant roles have also since been eliminated, the person said.
    Sports Editor Follow, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
  • Still, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that about 34 people a day in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 42 minutes.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • But there’s also enough of a sample size, defender Chris McVey said, to believe last week’s lapses were merely a one-off.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • Specifically, the suit says that a sample of Casamigos Blanco contained just 33 percent ethanol derived from agave, and a sample of the Reposado expression contained about 42 percent ethanol derived from agave—levels that fall below the 51 percent that is required even for a mixto.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The Wimbledon men's final between three-time Grand Slam winner Sinner and Alcaraz (a five-time Grand Slam champ) comes less than two months after Alcaraz stormed back from a huge deficit to win the French Open in five sets on June 8.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • In a post-Federer/Nadal era and with Novak Djokovic getting beat in straight sets by Sinner in back-to-back semifinals, this is the new showcase event in men’s tennis.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • And are people still talking about this guy, this creep?
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2025
  • And the coolest part for me, coming to Columbus, was switching roles from Boston and now being the guy who is counted on to work with younger guys.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Evacuation information from Cal Fire Evacuation Orders Immediate threat to life.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2025
  • This was quite an awakening as for most of my life I am defined as being part of a minority class.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • The creatures move confidently across the island's terrain, both vast and cramped, and often emerge with a vampire's stealth from shadows, smoke and night itself.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 30 June 2025
  • Once upon a time, the movie tells us, people flocked to see these giant creatures resurrected from old DNA.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Before things became homogenized by the studios in terms of looking for a broader audience, rather than making something as individuals.
    Jordan Hoffman Updated, EW.com, 10 July 2025
  • As of this week, more than $3 billion in federal funds has been approved for individuals, families and businesses impacted by the fires, according to FEMA.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specimen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specimen. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on specimen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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