Thesaurus results for EXAMPLE

Q: How is the word 'example' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of example are case , illustration , instance , sample , and specimen . While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case. // a typical example of bureaucratic waste

Q: When could 'case' be used to replace 'example'?

While in some cases nearly identical to example , 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

Q: When would 'illustration' be a good substitute for 'example'?

The meanings of illustration and example largely overlap; however, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement. // a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

Q: Where would 'instance' be a reasonable alternative to 'example'?

In some situations, the words instance and example are roughly equivalent. However, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain. // an instance of history repeating itself

Q: When is 'sample' a more appropriate choice than 'example'?

Although the words sample and example 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

Q: When might 'specimen' be a better fit than 'example'?

The words specimen and example can be used in similar contexts, but specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available. // one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

example

noun

ig-ˈzam-pəl

Definition of example

as in instance

one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like a war bonnet that is a fine example of Native American handicraft

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word example distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of example are case, illustration, instance, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When could case be used to replace example?

While in some cases nearly identical to example, 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 illustration be a good substitute for example?

The meanings of illustration and example largely overlap; however, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

Where would instance be a reasonable alternative to example?

In some situations, the words instance and example are roughly equivalent. However, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

When is sample a more appropriate choice than example?

Although the words sample and example 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

When might specimen be a better fit than example?

The words specimen and example can be used in similar contexts, but specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

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 example Council is a prime example of where this emerging political alliance is being tested. — Paxton Honerkamp, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026 Philadelphia is an example of a team that won a recent Super Bowl because its defensive line was able to dominate. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 An example for generations of players and fans, loved and admired by all football enthusiasts. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 31 July 2026 The initial example of the Ferrari 250 P will be offered by Gooding Christie’s in August. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for example

Recent Examples of Synonyms for example

Noun

Stock Down The Dolphins offensive line had a ton of success running behind the right guards on Friday, and there was one instance where Jonah Savaiinaea put Kenneth Grant on the Metrorial and took him for a ride.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Anthropic says Claude didn't discover any complex vulnerabilities during these instances.

— James Peckham, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026

Definition of instance

Noun

Often, there is only capacity to check a sample of invoices; the rest are paid automatically, leaving the company vulnerable to over-spending and outright fraud.

— David Prosser, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
By 2007, it was discovered that DNA samples had not been collected, leading to exhumation of the body to obtain the sample.

— Marc Anthony Lopez, ABC News, 29 July 2026

Definition of sample

Noun

In this photo illustration, the logo of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is displayed on a smartphone in front of abstract background on computer screen.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
There is no better illustration of speechlessness being deployed as a weapon, forcing the loquacious, as if at gunpoint, to fill the void with words.

— Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

Other evidence includes specimens found inside her home that do not belong to her or anyone close to her, though any updates on this DNA have not been shared publicly.

— Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026
Biological specimens Liquid exceptions can be made in the name of science.

— Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026

Definition of specimen

Noun

At the time of his arrest authorities also determined that Taele was a suspect in a robbery case being investigated by the El Segundo Police Department.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
The complainant, who was not identified in the initial case report, said Celeste was attacked by a dog and dragged through the woods.

— Rafael Escalera Montoto, Arkansas Online, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of case

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examining

example

examples

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“Example.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/example. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of example

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Synonyms of example

noun

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Example Sentences

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Articles Related to example

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on example

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

colloquial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

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How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes