instance 1 of 2

noun

ˈin(t)-stən(t)s How to pronounce instance (audio)
Definition of instancenext
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

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instance

2 of 2

verb

1
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
2
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
3
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
In one instance, an applicant for a position at voice authentication startup Pindrop Security used deepfake AI technology to mask his face, Pindrop CEO and co-founder Vijay Balasubramaniyan told CNBC. —Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025 In another instance, a video showing a golden retriever's reaction to his humans coming home after a month away went viral. —Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
This sentence was changed on 30 November 2018 after some readers pointed out to the author instances in the literature that had considered these issues. —IEEE Spectrum, 15 Nov. 2018 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 See All Example Sentences for instance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instance
  1. example
  2. cite
  3. mention
  4. illustrate
  5. reference
  6. specify
  7. demonstrate
  8. notice
Noun
  • For example, in the old format, Duncanville might’ve faced Denton Guyer during its playoff run despite having more than 2,000 students.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2025
  • These examples from our common cultural heritage prove that the Left’s hold on the arts need not amount to a permanent victory.
    — Peter Tonguette, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of example
Verb
  • Zepeda-Carmona had marijuana and alcohol in his system, prosecutors said, citing a toxicology report.
    — Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Framework Computer, another PC vendor, has also temporarily discontinued several base models of the company’s 13-inch laptop, citing Trump’s tariffs on Taiwan.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of cite
Verb
  • Dealing with the Unification Wars that had only ever been mentioned in passing, Macross Zero was meant to show how these wars were fought and, more importantly, what for.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The university in its statement to The Bee said the $500,000 salary mentioned by Wood in media reports for the permanent general manager referred to the total compensation package, including benefits.
    — Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of mention
Verb
  • Her own work has illustrated how different brain regions activate when processing English or Chinese sentences because of their differing linguistic properties.
    — Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
  • As the graphic above illustrates, Galatasaray’s Napoli loanee can find space to shoot, even with limited service.
    — Ali Rampling, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • The previous few weeks that Raducanu referenced were eventful in themselves.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Calculate your cup size: To calculate, subtract your band size (as referenced in step one) from your bust size (as referenced in step two).
    — Bianca London, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of reference
Verb
  • The bill also gives the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services various requirements, including those to report specified Medicaid data to the Medicaid oversight committee.
    — Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Markle did not specify which of her pregnancies was followed by postpartum preeclampsia, but the conversation—a glimpse behind the curtain—is an honest and vulnerable one.
    — Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of specify
Verb
  • Palantir is demonstrating leadership in the artificial intelligence software platform space and has the top- and bottom-line growth track record to prove it.
    — Todd Gordon, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The installers will typically walk the homeowner through the basics and demonstrate how the sprinkler system operates.
    — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of demonstrate
Verb
  • According to the Miami Herald, a separate guest stayed in the room with Tillman's dead body in the closet, but didn't notice it.
    — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Correa noticed López motioning toward his leg during a walk of Jonathan India and immediately went to the mound for a visit.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of notice

Browse Nearby Words

installs
instance
instanced
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Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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