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 Makeup by Mario is a great example, MAC is forever reliable, and Nars has some great quads too. — Elle Turner, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026 But Friday’s 10-8, series-opening loss to the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field was a prime example of why the relief corps will be so vital over the final 27 games of the season. — Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 As one example of how this ropes in unwitting people who aren’t aware of the privacy risks of nearby glasses, the complaint cited one video where a user set down his Meta glasses on his nightstand, which then captured video of his wife undressing. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 Advances in screen construction and backlighting that use ultra-tiny mini LEDs for crisp contrast and vibrant colors can bring cinema-quality movies and TV shows to your living room, and the TCL QM8L is one of the best examples on the market. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for example

Recent Examples of Synonyms for example

Noun

There have been scattered instances of athletes returning to their previous school for the extra season, including two LSU women’s soccer players who are part of the case.

— Seth Emerson, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Even instances of heckling at games – over performance on the court – felt good-natured, rather than insulting.

— Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of instance

Noun

Everyone appreciated having access to writing samples, but two participants wanted additional context around each example.

— Jehan Lalkaka, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
However, the real science will begin when future Artemis astronauts bring back new lunar samples from deeper beneath the surface over the coming years.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of sample

Noun

But the circumstances provide an unusually good illustration of how potentially enormous financial advantage can be gained from knowing in advance what a president is about to say.

— Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Holding cotton candy in one hand, Rani—whom Hudson shares with fiancé Danny Fujikawa—topped her long golden blonde hair with a cream cowboy hat that was embellished with her name and an illustration of a rose.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of illustration

Noun

Thirteen days before Morissette’s lawsuit, Urinov filed her own claim against the singer in London’s King Bench Division, which handles cases of defamation, misuse of private information, data protection, and harassment by publication.

— Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
Court records show that Tiger Woods plans to change his not guilty plea in his DUI case in Florida.

— Bob Harkins, New York Times, 2 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of example

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Synonyms of example

noun

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