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 Her world changes when the research vessel USCSS Maginot crash-lands on Earth carrying alien specimens, drawing Wendy and a squad of tactical soldiers into a battle against terrifying creatures. Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025 The automobile, mortar-and-pestle sign and other artifacts and specimens are considered collection items, which the museum will continue to care for. Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2025 Arthur confronts Dame Sylvia about his worries about having Wendy communicate directly with the aliens and the rest of The Lost Boys being in close proximity to the unknown specimens. Leia Mendoza, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025 The vehicle is capable of locating and observing targets on the seabed, while also collecting samples such as biological specimens and sediments. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specimen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specimen
Noun
  • The reversal marks just one example of how Trump is rewriting Republicans’ decades-old playbook on countering Beijing’s influence in the United States and abroad.
    Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • American craft beer, for example, has grown over the last 30 years to take nearly 15% of US beer sales by volume.
    Nish Acharya, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Authorities are combing through video from the scene, including this video which appears to show a person on the roof immediately following the shooting, according to sources familiar with the ongoing investigation.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Republican strategist Michael Biundo was among many to observe how confident Kirk was from the jump, how undaunted by being new to the scene and often the youngest person in the mix.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Over a very small sample of 178 innings, Devers has been worth one defensive run saved.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The proposal would also cancel the mission to return the samples to Earth.
    David W. Brown, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Authorities arrested a man shortly after a bullet hit Kirk, Mason said during the news conference.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • No man is worth missing Paris for.
    Vogue, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Another favorite comic novel of mine, this one follows a guy in Beijing who installs custom, old school sound systems for rich people.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Travis is a perfect addition to the rogue gallery of guys Rahill consistently plays across social media — hilarious and singular character studies of very particular and deeply cringey types of dude, replete with his trademark grin.
    Justin Caffier, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • No one who celebrates the loss of human life should be anywhere near children.
    Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Quite a few designs featured striking swirls, which Daveed says speak to the ways that many Haitian immigrants must travel when heading into the United States for a better life.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Just note that these little creatures are final sale items and are therefore ineligible for returns.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The plot centers on Jam, a teenager who inadvertently brings a creature from a painting to life.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • China, by comparison, boasts an active military of 2,000,000 individuals, as well as air and naval technology several levels above the island territory’s current capabilities.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Utah authorities released photos of the person of interest in the shooting on Thursday in which the individual can be seen on steps while carrying a black backpack and wearing a shirt with what appeared to be an American flag print on it.
    Jon Haworth, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Specimen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specimen. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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