specimen

Synonym Chooser

How is the word specimen distinct from other similar nouns?

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

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

When could case be used to replace specimen?

While in some cases nearly identical to specimen, 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 specimen?

The words example and specimen can be used in similar contexts, but example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

In what contexts can illustration take the place of specimen?

In some situations, the words illustration and specimen 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 can instance be used instead of specimen?

The meanings of instance and specimen largely overlap; however, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

Where would sample be a reasonable alternative to specimen?

Although the words sample and specimen 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

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 specimen Most peonies are sold as bare-root specimens and should be planted when soil temperatures consistently fall below 50 degrees but before the ground freezes. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025 Additional research, examining a broader range of specimens, would be needed to assess how far-reaching the trend of brown-ish, boring mammals was, and when exactly mammals began to gain stripes, spots, patches, and brighter colors. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025 Among the notable specimens, a Megalodon tooth from North Carolina’s Nutrien Mine shows deep serration marks running diagonally across the root, evidence of a strong bite from another Megalodon. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Furthermore, bare-root specimens will establish more quickly since their roots are splayed out when planting and can easily find their way. Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specimen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specimen
Noun
  • Davis police on Monday continued their search for the person or people who shot and wounded three people in the city’s Community Park on Saturday sending UC Davis Picnic Day revelers scrambling from the chaos.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Every person in the USA, not just citizens, has a right to due process.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In Southern California, for example, the 50501 spokesman says food drives are planned to support people who continue to struggle in the wake of the January wildfires as well as those who may be affected by the rising price of goods amid President Trump's tariffs.
    Emma Bowman, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Mac Engel Fort Worth Star-Telegram 817-390-7760 Mac Engel is an award-winning columnist who has covered sports since the dawn of man; Cowboys, TCU, Stars, Rangers, Mavericks, etc. Olympics.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Their names appeared on a list of more than 200 Venezuelan men held in the notorious prison, which is how their family found them.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The victim experienced a miscarriage approximately six months into the pregnancy, at which point detectives obtained a sample of the fetal tissue.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Detectives were able to obtain a sample of the fetal tissue, which was transported to the state forensic laboratory.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But the science between the little guys and the big guys is the same.
    Allure, Allure, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In many ways, Trout’s jaunt into the stands was more reminiscent of Jurickson Profar of the Padres jumping into the left field pavilion in Game 2 of last season’s National League Division series against the Dodgers to rob a home run from that guy again, Mookie Betts.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Find the little trans child that is ruining your life.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • By Jenna Ryu To say the last few years of Olivia Munn’s life have been a rollercoaster doesn’t fully capture what she’s been through.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The fifth movement is his funeral: a witches’ sabbath replete with monsters and creatures, with an undead version of his beloved as their ringleader.
    Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In the game, players take on the role of planeswalkers, powerful spellcasters who summon creatures, cast spells and use artifacts to defeat their opponents.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In turn, this means that studying the effects of neuroplasticity has less to do with trying to identify whether the exact same neurons are being connected in different individuals, and more to do with looking for patterns that hint at some sort of underlying rules.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Creating a culture of fear by persecuting unpopular individuals and groups?
    Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specimen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specimen. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on specimen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!