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case

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noun (2)

1
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

2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
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

5
6
as in possibility
something that might happen it may be the case that the cause of the fire will forever remain a mystery

Synonyms & Similar Words

7

case

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verb

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

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 case
Noun
President Donald Trump's MAGA base has expressed skepticism after U.S. District Judge James Boasberg—who presided over the migrant deportation case—was also assigned to a new lawsuit involving high-ranking Cabinet officials' messaging of military activity via the Signal app. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025 Additionally, in her second Combs case ruling today, US District Judge Jennifer Rochon rejected a Jane Doe motion to keep her real intently hidden. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
This prevents the outside casing from being damaged and protects the display when not in use. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025 According to a recent study by Royal Society Open Science, the bomb’s casing material deteriorates, but not the active explosives inside like Amatol and TNT, meaning the core explosives are as potent as when they were manufactured. Jim Clash, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for case
Recent Examples of Synonyms for case
Verb
  • The expansive tented suites feature large decks overlooking the valley, private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and tactile interiors enclosed by screen doors, allowing the sounds of the wild to lull guests to sleep.
    Julia Eskins, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2025
  • There are plans for a third building that will stretch between Hamlin and Ridgeway that will more fully enclose the complex’s courtyard.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • To preserve the oddity, Greene covered it in lard and then encased it in salt — a typical practice before iceboxes and refrigerators.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • This meant from just below my clavicle to my mid thigh, I was encased in elastane.
    Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But he’s dependably found a way to fit it into new comedic spaces as needed, time and again.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Laws are not meant to be twisted and curated by privileged elites to fit their own personal agenda.
    Lauryn Overhultz, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The five-mile-long mountain ridge that encompasses Mount Yoshino is said to be covered by about 30,000 cherry trees—the oldest of which is thought to have been planted more than 1,300 years ago.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Nearly half the population is Hindu, whose beliefs encompass respect toward animals.
    ByRefael Kubersky, science.org, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The 24/7 manufacturing site houses six production lines — four plastic bottle lines and two can lines — pumping out 40 million cases annually.
    Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Plus, the set is versatile, able to house leftovers, serve side dishes, or even marinate meat.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Explain the value of taking stress breaks during the day, and offer anytime access to resources to accommodate long hours or busy travel schedules. 4.
    Michael Held, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • To accommodate the rush, airlines serving Sacramento International Airport have increased their service capacity in March by 21% compared to March 2024, Myers said.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 18 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Case.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/case. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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