INSTANCE Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of instance are case , example , illustration , sample , and specimen . While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," 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 could 'case' be used to replace 'instance'?

Although the words case and instance have much in common, 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 might 'example' be a better fit than 'instance'?

The meanings of example and instance largely overlap; however, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case. // a typical example of bureaucratic waste

Q: When can 'illustration' be used instead of 'instance'?

In some situations, the words illustration and instance 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'sample' instead of 'instance'?

The words sample and instance can be used in similar contexts, but 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: Where would 'specimen' be a reasonable alternative to 'instance'?

While the synonyms specimen and instance are close in meaning, specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available. // one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

instance 1 of 2

noun

ˈin(t)-stən(t)s

Definition of instance

as in example

one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this is just one instance of his repeated failure to do what he promised

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

instance

2 of 2

verb

as in to cite

to give as an example instanced one particular incident as an illustration of their penchant for practical jokes

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to mention

to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically instanced the latest astronomical research in her presentation on measuring star magnitude

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to illustrate

to show or make clear by using examples instanced the hero's moral courage with several examples from the novel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word instance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of instance are case, example, illustration, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

When could case be used to replace instance?

Although the words case and instance have much in common, 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 might example be a better fit than instance?

The meanings of example and instance largely overlap; however, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When can illustration be used instead of instance?

In some situations, the words illustration and instance 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 is it sensible to use sample instead of instance?

The words sample and instance can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Where would specimen be a reasonable alternative to instance?

While the synonyms specimen and instance are close in meaning, 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 instance

Noun

Before this study was released, there was a growing number of instances of former players who suffered the consequences of their playing careers. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 Orr said parents should report such instances to the local police and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

Topics under discussion included changes in the industry over the last decade, instanced by the rise of digital and gaming, audience fragmentation, and the emergence of disruptive technologies such as AI. — Liza Foreman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2023 But there’s been plenty of room for errors and hallucinations, instances when chatbots like ChatGPT have concocted inaccurate—and sometimes worrying—answers to questions. — Joseph Abrams, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for instance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instance

Noun

There are already examples in other sports of athletes moving between professional and college systems without producing the same alarm.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
CrowdStrike offered another example of AI becoming a tailwind rather than a threat.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of example

Verb

The performances made history as the biggest ever open-air concerts in the UK (the crowd numbered 125,000 both days) and are often cited as representing the pinnacle of the Britpop era.

— Devinder Bains, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
The outlet, citing Jordan’s foreign ministry, reported that a number of Jordanians ⁠were on ⁠the bus, with initial information indicating that some were killed and injured.

— Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of cite

Verb

Of the around 46 pieces that mentioned Vrabel or his teams, nearly a third were transactional moves about trades or hires.

— Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Black is mentioned repeatedly in files that the Justice Department has released related to the Epstein investigation.

— Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of mention

Verb

The application illustrates how intelligent multi-agent systems may support operational efficiency while addressing regulatory and compliance requirements.

— Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
The graphic below illustrates that Circati is not a centre-back who sticks a foot in too often, preferring to sit off and protect the space.

— Thom Harris, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of illustrate

Verb

The suit does not specify how much of the $4 million worth of gas went to Freedom Fuel stations or indicate whether the stations have a relationship with KRSM or Kazmi.

— Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
Instead of sending vague meeting invites, specify the topic so employees do not default to anxiety.

— Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of specify

Verb

Series 4000 clears endurance tests The Series 4000 earned certification after completing two 720-hour durability tests, demonstrating its ability to operate through extended autonomous missions.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
Organizations can identify employees whose demonstrated capabilities already align closely with the requirements of the new role, estimate the training needed to close remaining gaps and accelerate development plans with far greater confidence.

— Raghu Krishnaiah, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of demonstrate

Verb

The scholar of religion Friedrich Max Müller (1823–1900) noticed that many Vedic hymns praise different deities using the same superlatives and ascribe to them the same mythological feats.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
These wild swings in the numbers came while residents here didn’t notice any change to the slow but steady arrival of newcomers in dilapidated coaches.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of notice

Browse Nearby Words

installs

instance

instanced

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of instance

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