CASE Synonyms: 226 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

case 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈkās

Definition of case next

as in sheath

something that encloses another thing especially to protect it those binoculars come with their own case

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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)

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

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

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as in fact

something that actually exists this has never been the case before

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in bout

a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder a young boy suffering from a case of chicken pox

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in possibility

something that might happen it may be the case that the cause of the fire will forever remain a mystery

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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

Examples 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

But Sarat and other experts said that even if a death case gets through the decades of appeals, fewer than one in six are actually carried out. —

Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, 14 Jan. 2025 In the email, Phelps said housing someone in a shelter bed costs $10,000 annually to cover room, board and case management and social services costs. —

Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2025

Verb

Police place bullet casing markers outside a Hilton hotel in midown Manhattan, where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot Wednesday. —

Tom Winter, NBC News, 10 Dec. 2024 Police place bullet casing markers outside a Hilton Hotel in New York City’s midtown Manhattan where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot, Dec. 4, 2024. —

Dan Mangan, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for case

Recent Examples of Synonyms for case

Verb

SpaceX is also recovering and reusing payload fairings, the shell that encloses satellite payloads during their initial climb through the atmosphere.

— Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 14 Jan. 2025
There’s even a circle that encloses on the map similar to a battle royale game, though this is not a competitive PvE title.

— Erik Kain, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025