as in instance
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like a war bonnet that is a fine example of Native American handicraft

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word example distinct from other similar nouns?

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

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When could case be used to replace example?

While in some cases nearly identical to example, 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 illustration be a good substitute for example?

The meanings of illustration and example largely overlap; however, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

Where would instance be a reasonable alternative to example?

In some situations, the words instance and example 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

When is sample a more appropriate choice than example?

Although the words sample and example have much in common, 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 example?

The words specimen and example can be used in similar contexts, 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 example Could Congress, for example, pass a law requiring every American to make a contribution to pay down the national debt, and leave it up to the Internal Revenue Service to figure out the specifics? Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2025 The Riot, for example, will host one day of three or four games and play the rest of the two-month season on the road. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025 For example, in the town of Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, the eclipse starts before sunrise, at 5:57 a.m. local time. Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025 And over 100-something million watched Fool Me Once, for example. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for example
Recent Examples of Synonyms for example
Noun
  • In this first instance, the clip shows how the dirt hidden within the blanket turns the water a decidedly dark color.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
  • In these instances, customers are going to look to the leader to take responsibility and ownership of what occurred.
    John Hall, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In a small sample size of 64 offensive snaps last year, Okunlola received a 71.4 overall grade, a 73.6 run-blocking grade and a 41.6 pass-blocking grade.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
  • After testing two samples from each, lead was detected in 9 out of 10 of the brands in addition to other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like acetone and benzene.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The education campaign featured online illustrations depicting a Black mother, child and teenager suffering from the consequences of the mother’s marijuana usage.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2025
  • At this stage, the illustration may not be repeatable even though it is both defined and operated by the inventors.
    Jeff Mahler, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Recent funding has supported the digitization of over 2,000 vertebrate specimens, including rare and endangered species.
    Devon Akmon, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The landscape is a gardeners’ dream with apple, plum, pear, cherry and nectarine trees, a goji berry patch, blueberry plants, an herb garden, fresh mint, specimens of viburnum, various holly shrubs, arborvitae, Alberta spruces and andromeda plants.
    Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In many cases, these startups rely on partnerships with banks or insurers behind the scenes, effectively becoming a slick user interface on top of more traditional financial institutions.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In both cases, the tissue is getting bigger, and a person is growing larger.
    Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Example.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/example. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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