instance 1 of 2

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
3

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
In one instance, a contract listed by the group as worth $8 million was actually worth $8 billion. William Gavin, Quartz, 28 Mar. 2025 Redick noted there were several instances the Bulls pulled up in 3-on-1 and 3-on-2 situations and made 3s. Jovan Buha, New York Times, 28 Mar. 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
Noun
  • Canada, for example, has announced billions of dollars in retaliatory tariffs.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • In his book Views, for example, he is quoted as saying.
    Roger Huang, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The audit, cited by pro-Kremlin media outlet RBK, tracked more than 300 companies with annual revenues exceeding $12 million.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In May 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended against using non-sugar sweeteners like sucralose for weight loss, citing evidence linking them to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, higher mortality and weight gain.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But there’s no doubt that Jaclyn has taken it all a lot further by being so manipulative with Laurie, not to mention cheating on her husband.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • In his talk, Rasool spoke in academic language of the Trump administration’s crackdowns on diversity and equity programs and immigration and mentioned the possibility of a U.S. where white people soon would no longer be in the majority.
    Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Efficiency at what cost? Read: The rise of techno-authoritarianism Careless People illustrates how this ideological vacuum is filled by its leaders’ fleeting whims and governed by their fragile egos.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The tragic case of Kitty Genovese in 1964 famously illustrated this concept, though the case details have been subject to later scrutiny and revision.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The previous few weeks that Raducanu referenced were eventful in themselves.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Jenna asked her husband, referencing the popular phrase meaning something that makes a person grossed out by another.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Rader acknowledged that not every child younger than 5 is eligible for the measles vaccine, and his study didn’t specify the exact ages of the children younger than 5 who were unvaccinated.
    Shiv Sudhakar, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The agency specified that the event will occur before sunrise, and the times provided are when the sun rises.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Small and mid-sized businesses need to build a portfolio of content types: short-form opinion pieces that can be published quickly in response to happenings in your niche, and deep-dive white papers to demonstrate authority.
    Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Palestinians demonstrated against Hamas in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, on Tuesday, in what appeared to be the largest protest against the militant group since the October 7 attacks.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The new policy allows Ferbert to skip the time-consuming step of asking the council for permission in the form of a briefing session that must be scheduled days in advance and publicly noticed.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Retailers often anticipate a bump in sales around dividend time each year and even small businesses notice the uptick.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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