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
The act may mark one of the rare instances of Trump actually reinforcing a Biden-era policy, through the president's push to increase domestic manufacturing and levy steep tariffs. —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025 Mitchell logged 32 instances of fake overtime, police said. —Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 11 July 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, fructose (fruit sugar) is converted to glucose in the liver, and so is galactose (a component of milk sugar).
    — Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
  • For example, the Bay View Neighborhood Association supports residents through advocacy and community improvements.
    — Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of example
Verb
  • And while Florida might have come in first, Indianapolis was cited as the top metro area of U-Haul's customers headed to Columbus.
    — John Tufts, IndyStar, 25 July 2025
  • In 2023, 571 people in Boise were cited for running a red light.
    — Amaia Gavica, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2025
Definition of cite
Verb
  • When Ju-yeong half-heartedly mentions the early deaths of his parents, Dong-ju doesn’t have any sympathy.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 21 July 2025
  • Though Bunnie didn’t specifically mention IVF in the video, she’s been open about how conceiving a baby with her country star husband has been one of her main focuses this year.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 21 July 2025
Definition of mention
Verb
  • Though Combs denied the allegation, the incident illustrates how some individuals may attempt to exert control over their current or former partners, even through intimidation or violence, to prevent them from forming new relationships.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • The artist continues to interrogate the interplay between image and text in culture today –– illustrating the persistent dominance of advertising, as well as the peculiarities of newer phenomena, such as memes.
    — Megan Williams, CNN Money, 18 July 2025
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • That posting actually references a much older threat, one that was first flagged by the FBI public service announcement, alert number I-091223-PSA, way back in September 2023.
    — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Thomas’ suit, for example, referenced a PowerPoint from leadership that directed campuses to shred student attendance records.
    — Chris Quintana, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Definition of reference
Verb
  • Advertisement Macron has not specified what territory France would recognize as being part of a Palestinian state.
    — Callum Sutherland, Time, 25 July 2025
  • The law doesn’t specify a grade level for instruction but calls for all students to be proficient.
    — Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2025
Definition of specify
Verb
  • This was demonstrated in a 2024 study evaluating the effectiveness of a turmeric-Boswellia formulation.10 Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an herbal extract that has been found to reduce inflammation.11 In this study, pain relief was quick.
    — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 24 July 2025
  • Verses demonstrated EcoNet in March at the 2025 AI UK exhibition at the Turing Institute in London.
    — Gabriel René, IEEE Spectrum, 24 July 2025
Definition of demonstrate
Verb
  • Pankow's absence is noticed on set of the final season, Cline says.
    — Julia Moore, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Maybe a student is an amateur chef who notices that there are few affordable bakers in the area for parties and community events.
    — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 15 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.

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