sample 1 of 2

1
as in sampling
a number of things selected from a group to stand for the whole based on a sample of the menu items, we decided that this was the best restaurant in town

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this vase is a sample of the high-quality glassware that the glassblowers can produce

Synonyms & Similar Words

sample

2 of 2

verb

as in to test
to put (something) to a test sampled the soup to see if it tasted good

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sample distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sample are case, example, illustration, instance, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," 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 is case a more appropriate choice than sample?

While in some cases nearly identical to sample, 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 can example be used instead of sample?

The meanings of example and sample largely overlap; however, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When could illustration be used to replace sample?

Although the words illustration and sample have much in common, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When might instance be a better fit than sample?

In some situations, the words instance and sample 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

In what contexts can specimen take the place of sample?

The synonyms specimen and sample 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 sample
Noun
But Consumer Reports only tested one sample from each brand, so more testing is needed to definitively say which brands have PFAS and which ones don’t, the organization said. Betty Lin-Fisher, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025 The study only involved nine individuals, meaning a larger sample size could provide even stronger insights. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
The British royals are known to immerse themselves in the best of local culture and cuisine during official trips, and the royal couple did just that by sampling a spirit at The Friend at Hand. Janine Henni, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required onsite at Town Square the day of the event to receive a map and sampling tickets. Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sample
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sample
Noun
  • The Orange Blossoms Auxiliary of Assistance League of Orange is presenting the annual event from 3 to 7 p.m. at 124 S. Orange St., in Orange. Taste of Orange will feature samplings of food, beer, and wine from top local restaurants, plus drawings, live entertainment and more.
    Andrea Manes, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Negative sampling intentionally introduces incorrect, misleading or adversarial examples, which helps bots develop a stronger filtering mechanism.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Canada, for example, has announced billions of dollars in retaliatory tariffs.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • But Lavin was back on the Challenge set in Costa Rica within months, ready to test the next generation of thrill seekers.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Eleven former Aztecs are scheduled to participate in on-field drills after being tested in the weight room.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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