SPECIMEN Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

specimen

noun

ˈspes-mən

Definition of specimen

as in example

one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like chose one frog as a good specimen of the breed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in person

a member of the human race he's a particularly handsome specimen

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Quarterback LaNorris Sellers, receiver Nyck Harbor and defensive end Dylan Stewart are rare specimens, yet each has been inconsistent and unreliable. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 Hawaii has seen a flu spike, with just over 20 percent of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza at the end of September, up from about 4 percent earlier in the month. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Forensic entomology technicians also responded to the scene and collected insect specimens, which were submitted to a lab at Kean University in New Jersey for further examination. — Joe Brandt, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 Hard times for scientific institutions The Academy houses a massive, irreplaceable library of over 19 million specimens. — Andrew Stelzer, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specimen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for specimen

Noun

Both examples demonstrate how local champions and an existing source of funding can help turn a lifesaving idea into reality.

— Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
As usual, most of the homes are located in North America, but our roundup also includes examples from Europe and Australia.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of example

Noun

But a few times in recent years, Hollins, a veterinarian, tricked Jonathan and slid a cotton swab into the giant tortoise's mouth to get a saliva sample.

— KYLE MELNICK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Much of that comes down to, again, the randomness that's part of small sample sizes.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of sample

Noun

The former weapon of mass destruction has been in hiding for some time, but a bounty hunter tracks him down and disrupts his quiet life before also discovering a young man who appears to be Vision’s son.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
The jury members, comprising eight men and four women, took their place in Courtroom 3 of Southwark Crown Court for the first time.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of man

Noun

For younger consumers who have always managed much of their lives through apps, these experiences often feel like different versions of the same activity.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
People who score high on measures of zest are also more likely to view their lives as meaningful.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of life

Noun

Meanwhile, second-unit director Peter Ramsey worked alongside stunt performers, with some creature interactions achieved through surprisingly simple physical stand-ins.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Duffield also watched video of an autopsy of a large squid to figure out how to approach his lead character’s encounter with a similar creature in the early stages of his nightmare.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of creature

Noun

Those tools include apps that allow individuals to receive cash in between paychecks and are costing them hundreds of dollars each year in fees, according to a recent report.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Arrington said the individual was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of individual

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specifying

specimen

specimens

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“Specimen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specimen. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of specimen

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Synonyms of specimen

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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'Speculate': Looking for a Profit

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