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 All specimens were found at night among the leaf litter on the forest except for the first two, which were discovered perched on a tree trunk and a branch, according to the study. Lauren Liebhaber july 24, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025 Coincidentally, during the summer of the same year, American anthropologist Kenneth Kensinger was collecting plant specimens used in the production of ayahuasca in the village of Balta, on the Rio Curanja in Peru. Literary Hub, 16 July 2025 But less exotic trout specimens still retain broad customer appeal, according to several chefs. Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 14 July 2025 The Field Museum houses over 40 million mammal specimens in its archives, mostly collected in Chicago and the surrounding region, enabling scientists to track how different species have changed over time. Lily Carey, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for specimen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specimen
Noun
  • American Airlines, for example, is working with the FAA to develop more fuel efficient routes for its flights.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • For example, Instacart could boost its market share by reducing free delivery thresholds to bring in new customers, Ma said.
    Brian Evans, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • But when someone raises concerns about questionable billing practices, the issue is quietly set aside and the person is moved to another role.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • That’s the person who can integrate diverse expertise, promote equitable contributions, and cultivate trust.
    Jamil Zaki, Harvard Business Review, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Sanders is self-funding the production of her initial samples and prototypes, but hopes to raise at least $2 million and have her 10-piece collection ready for launch in 2026.
    Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Sixteen mosquito samples have tested positive in Yolo County.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The wallet would end up going on a 151,000-mile odyssey across multiple states before a mechanic in Minnesota last month discovered that the obstacle that was preventing him from putting the vehicle's airbox back in place was — a man's leather wallet.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Drill sergeants—not therapy Faced with the ultimate in fitness standards, men and women throughout the military obsess over their weight and body shapes, experts say.
    Noelle Wiehe, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • With a pair of catwalks jutting from the oval stage, the guys roam into the crowd, all while hitting their dance moves, and blending their upbeat pop anthems with the sappier ballads that made them into a heartthrob collective.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
  • How a 'Mad Dogs' concert film led to the Tedeschi Trucks Band Q: You guys definitely captured a bit of the magic.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This idea of changing your focus on a situation isn’t new to leadership, but it’s rarely practiced with the depth the movie (and real life) demands.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • In 2016, Ciara tied the knot with now husband Russell Wilson, who was thrilled to welcome the little boy into his life.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Players will need to survive a brutal future, extract key people from the past and stop nightmarish creatures.
    Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Meanwhile, eerie creatures lurk in the city streets, waiting.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The individual went inside a residence and would not come out.
    Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The Geneva train depot parking lot is available for individuals with quarterly commuter parking permits.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specimen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specimen. Accessed 21 Aug. 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!