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 The advisory also provides resources for hospitals, laboratories and public health departments that may be involved in treating patients, handling and testing specimens, or responding to community questions about Ebola. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025 Throughout the season, Boy Kavalier’s real intentions begin to take over Neverland Research Island after successfully securing the alien specimens that the USCSS Maginot had been researching in space, discarding his decade-long work on the hybrids. Leia Mendoza, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 Wendy is now in control, but her reign might be short-lived, since Yutani's soldiers are on their way to the island to recover the Xenomorphs and the other alien specimens. Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025 There are millions of artifacts, objects, specimens and artworks on view at the Smithsonian's 21 museums. Elizabeth Blair, NPR, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specimen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specimen
Noun
  • For example, the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is designed to protect investors and keep financial markets fair, is one of more than two doen agencies that are legally similar to the FCC.
    Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In Geneva, for example, a nuclear invention from CERN researchers in the early 2000s led to the founding of a novel cancer treatment, and ultimately, to its $4 billion acquisition by Novartis.
    Peter Vanham, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This level of caring and personal openness—owning mistakes is part of being present as a whole person—filters into the business culture.
    Adam Gale, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • For me, that person was Ursula Burns.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The evidence that Song was the shooter comes from a green mask the assailant wore from which samples that tested positive for Song’s DNA were taken and from interviews with cooperating sources, FBI Special Agent Clark Wiethorn testified at the hearing.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The two-hour experience includes bourbon samples, a cocktail, and the use of paranormal investigation tools.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Cam lay on the floor with his eyes shut in concentration as a man wearing a floral neckerchief tied around his forehead, Rambo-style, attempted to rip Cam’s foot off his body.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The two men pleaded not guilty and the judge set bail at $500 for Bowers and $1,000 for Cantwell, and both were seen fist-bumping after learning the bail amount, CBS News reported.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The bold scent blends cannabis, leather, and patchouli to bring a sophisticated, yet earthy vibe any guy would want for his bachelor pad.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
  • And most boys — 69% — also regularly see content promoting gender roles in problematic ways, such as posts suggesting girls prefer to date a particular kind of guy or use their looks to achieve their goals, according to the survey.
    Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • If he had been convicted on the racketeering charge, Combs could have been given life in prison.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • If convicted, the defendants face from 10 years to life in prison.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Dust mites are tiny creatures that can cause big problems for people with allergies.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025
  • This year’s lineup includes towering pumpkin monsters and eerie graveyard creatures, reflecting growing desires for over-the-top decor.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Benefit amounts vary by state but are generally based on a percentage of an individual's earnings over a recent 52-week period, up to a state maximum amount, according to the Department of Labor.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Specimen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specimen. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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