case 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈkās How to pronounce case (audio)
Definition of casenext
1
as in sheath
something that encloses another thing especially to protect it those binoculars come with their own case

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in bin
a covered rectangular container for storing or transporting things a handy little cosmetics case that matches the rest of her luggage

Synonyms & Similar Words

case

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
as in patient
an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment her doctor wishes that all of his cases were as cooperative as she is

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this is a perfect case of people jumping to the wrong conclusion before all the facts are known

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in fact
something that actually exists this has never been the case before

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act you'll get a chance to make your case, but unless you're very convincing, your request will be denied

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in bout
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder a young boy suffering from a case of chicken pox

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in possibility
something that might happen it may be the case that the cause of the fire will forever remain a mystery

Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in problem
something that requires thought and skill for resolution that's a tough case to solve

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

case

3 of 3

verb

as in to enclose

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word case distinct from other similar nouns?

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

While in some cases nearly identical to case, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When is it sensible to use illustration instead of case?

While the synonyms illustration and case are close in meaning, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When could instance be used to replace case?

Although the words instance and case have much in common, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

In what contexts can sample take the place of case?

The meanings of sample and case largely overlap; however, 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 case?

The synonyms specimen and case are sometimes interchangeable, 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 case
Noun
The Form Tank is 40 percent off and makes a strong case for packing light; just add tailored pants and a lightweight jacket for a sleek, simple look. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025 In some cases, the frost is severe enough to end the growing season and is then referred to as a 'killing frost'. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
Just what Moscow hopes to achieve varies from case to case. —Tamar Jacoby, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 Deciding how to proceed with searching for a missing person varies case to case, and sometimes race and news coverage play a role. —Amanda Musa, CNN, 3 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for case
Recent Examples of Synonyms for case
  1. enclose
  2. encase
  3. fit
  4. encompass
  5. house
  6. accommodate
Verb
  • Aggressive dogs feared On Nov. 3, the day after the attack, a Kansas City Pet Project investigator found around nine puppies a few months old enclosed in wire kennels in a back bedroom.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Most of their lives have been enclosed in prison cells.
    — Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of enclose
Verb
  • Karsh, in other words, has encased himself and his sorrow in a cocoon of tech-titan cosmopolitan chic.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Photo : Pierre Galant Oaks encase the aggregate concrete terraces.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of encase
Verb
  • After making birdie at No. 2, DeChambeau’s first whiff of trouble came on the stretch of holes that have given him fits in his Masters career.
    — Justin Ray, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Beat together cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup butter, 1 tablespoon each lemon zest and juice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of fit
Verb
  • Festival fashion over the years has encompassed everything ranging from kitschy to culturally influenced.
    — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In reality, the term encompasses a wide-ranging set of practices.
    — Emma Green, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of encompass
Verb
  • Consider this compact case that’s ready to house your passport.
    — Isis Briones, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The rear compartment houses the power cable, two cleaning pads, and the safety cord.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of house
Verb
  • Modern mainframes offer significant processing power, handling up to 30,000 transactions per second, and can accommodate substantial data with up to 40 terabytes of memory.
    — Melody Brue, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Sanders spokesperson Anna Bahr said in an email the event moved to accommodate a larger-than-expected crowd as the tour has drawn tens of thousands of attendees.
    — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of accommodate

Phrases Containing case

Browse Nearby Words

cascading
case
casebook
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Cite this Entry

“Case.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/case. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on case

Nglish: Translation of case for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about case

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