example

noun

ig-ˈzam-pəl How to pronounce example (audio)
Definition of examplenext
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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Synonym Chooser

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 Cactus wrens, for example, may build several pouch nests, but only one is used for laying eggs. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025 For example, Hass avocados, which are the most common type available in the U.S., are medium sized. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025 At night, for example, when the house is silent and your work is done. —Ann Goldstein, New Yorker, 25 May 2025 For example, creating more enemies for a relaxed player, or fewer for a stressed player. —Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for example
Recent Examples of Synonyms for example
  1. instance
  2. sample
  3. illustration
  4. specimen
  5. case
Noun
  • One of the instances includes early establishment of large human settlements that expanded into cities such as Mesopotamia roughly 12,000 years ago.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 28 May 2025
  • May 28, 2025 What's different today is that the Israeli defense forces used a high-energy laser capable of locking onto and destroying a drone by, in at least one instance, burning off the wings.
    — David Szondy, New Atlas, 28 May 2025
Definition of instance
Noun
  • The sample menu starts at 250 pounds a person with a taste of an oyster vichyssoise that uses imperial gold caviar, buttermilk and dill; scallops from the Isle of Skye with pumpkin, nori, and pine créme, and a Cornish turbot made with morteau sausage, thyme, black garlic and yellow wine.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
  • Soil samples suggest the stones were placed there around 400 years ago, which aligns with the timing of Rutherford’s letter.
    — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
Definition of sample
Noun
  • With more than 50 tattoos, the imagery comes in a huge variety of artistic styles, from a simple linework Matisse illustration to an intricately detailed Visconti of Milan coat of arms to a classic rose and photorealistic pet portraits.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 2 June 2025
  • The words were names, surnames, dates, cities and towns, sometimes with illustrations for reference, according to the release.
    — Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • The animal has only been seen once in 30 years, and all descriptions of it stem from a handful of museum specimens.
    — Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 25 May 2025
  • The significance of such specimens underscores why scientific access should be prioritized over private fossil collection, Chapman added.
    — Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
Definition of specimen
Noun
  • From their early days on the Disney Channel to their happily ever afters with their significant others, these celebrities are now all grown up, married and in some cases, having kids of their own.
    — Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • Hardin pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in connection with the February 2017 shooting of a 59-year-old water department worker and received a 30-year prison sentence, case records show.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
Definition of case

Browse Nearby Words

examining
example
examples
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Example.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/example. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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