Thesaurus results for SAMPLE

Q: How is the word 'sample' distinct from other similar nouns?

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

Q: When is 'case' a more appropriate choice than 'sample'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sample , 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 can 'example' be used instead of 'sample'?

The meanings of example and sample largely overlap; however, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case. // a typical example of bureaucratic waste

Q: When could 'illustration' be used to replace 'sample'?

Although the words illustration and sample have much in common, 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 might 'instance' be a better fit than 'sample'?

In some situations, the words instance and sample 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

Q: In what contexts can 'specimen' take the place of 'sample'?

The synonyms specimen and sample 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

sample 1 of 2

noun

ˈsam-pəl

Definition of sample next

as in sampling

a number of things selected from a group to stand for the whole based on a sample of the menu items, we decided that this was the best restaurant in town

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Relevance

as in example

one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this vase is a sample of the high-quality glassware that the glassblowers can produce

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sample

2 of 2

verb

as in to test

to put (something) to a test sampled the soup to see if it tasted good

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sample distinct from other similar nouns?

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

While in some cases nearly identical to sample, 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 can example be used instead of sample?

The meanings of example and sample largely overlap; however, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When could illustration be used to replace sample?

Although the words illustration and sample have much in common, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When might instance be a better fit than sample?

In some situations, the words instance and sample 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

In what contexts can specimen take the place of sample?

The synonyms specimen and sample 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 sample

Noun

The final survey sample consisted of 453 dogs ranging between 2 months and 16 years old, including 300 dogs from breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. —

Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 July 2025 For one, the study’s sample was small and non-generalizable, including only a specialized group of people to whom these AI tools were brand new. —

Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 20 July 2025

Verb

You’ll be led through the entire winemaking journey, from grape to barrel, sampling rich tawny and bold ruby Ports, before stretching out on the sandstone terrace offering cinematic panoramas of the mighty valley below. —

Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 Guests had the chance to sample macarons from the huge confection, and another Instagram video showed Prince Albert trying a bite, flashing a thumbs-up of approval. —

Janine Henni, People.com, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sample

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sample

Noun

Yeah, her interior voice is like an endless sampling of everything around her.

— Jane Ciabattari July 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
The problem was discovered during routine sampling conducted by the company, which showed the presence of the bacteria in the finished product.

— Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025

Definition of sampling

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sampans

sample

sampled

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“Sample.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sample. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Last Updated: 29 Jul 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of sample

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Synonyms of sample

noun

verb

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More from Merriam-Webster on sample

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