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, an applicant for a position at voice authentication startup Pindrop Security used deepfake AI technology to mask his face, Pindrop CEO and co-founder Vijay Balasubramaniyan told CNBC. Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025 In another instance, a video showing a golden retriever's reaction to his humans coming home after a month away went viral. Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 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
  • For example, SuperMouth engineers toothbrushes designed to fit various contours of a human mouth, along with UV-sanitizing holders, custom formulations for toothpaste, and educational tools.
    Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • For example, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) will run the grid, but the power over market rules will still be set by a regional organization subject to Trump’s FERC.
    Jamie Court, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Zepeda-Carmona had marijuana and alcohol in his system, prosecutors said, citing a toxicology report.
    Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Framework Computer, another PC vendor, has also temporarily discontinued several base models of the company’s 13-inch laptop, citing Trump’s tariffs on Taiwan.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Dealing with the Unification Wars that had only ever been mentioned in passing, Macross Zero was meant to show how these wars were fought and, more importantly, what for.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • But overall, over time, stock market returns have averaged 9% from 1994 to 2024, and this includes the periods of falling stock prices mentioned above.
    Dr. Ronald Premuroso, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Her own work has illustrated how different brain regions activate when processing English or Chinese sentences because of their differing linguistic properties.
    Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
  • As the graphic above illustrates, Galatasaray’s Napoli loanee can find space to shoot, even with limited service.
    Ali Rampling, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Calculate your cup size: To calculate, subtract your band size (as referenced in step one) from your bust size (as referenced in step two).
    Bianca London, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Ballal denied accusations of stone throwing and said the soldiers mocked him, referencing his Oscar win while detaining him.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The bill also gives the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services various requirements, including those to report specified Medicaid data to the Medicaid oversight committee.
    Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Markle did not specify which of her pregnancies was followed by postpartum preeclampsia, but the conversation—a glimpse behind the curtain—is an honest and vulnerable one.
    Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jack Moorhouse, a 19-year-old midfielder, has demonstrated an ability to pick up the ball and carry it up the pitch at youth level — an attribute sorely lacking among the first-team squad.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Surprising Loyalty and Stability Despite their reputation for independence and skepticism, Gen X demonstrates remarkable workplace loyalty compared to younger generations.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • According to the Miami Herald, a separate guest stayed in the room with Tillman's dead body in the closet, but didn't notice it.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Filing electronically is usually the fastest way for taxpayers to receive their refunds, as the system flags common errors that taxpayers may otherwise not notice.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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