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 Serious shellers know to get to the beach early for prime specimens like sand dollars, whelks, and scallops. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025 But re-sequencing genomes from older specimens that lived before the shipwreck has confirmed that the insects living on Ball’s Pyramid survived extinction on Lord Howe Island, according to an October 2017 study published in Current Biology. Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 The specimens found in the Wadhurst Clay Formation — older than those from the Isle of Wight — represent an important step in paleontology centered around southern England. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 1 Jan. 2025 Defenders of the body trade say that human specimens are essential for educating students and doctors. Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC News, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for specimen 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specimen
Noun
  • Finding someone who can be acutely self-aware while supremely confident says something about the person.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
  • And in person, Cumberbatch is indeed witty, even slightly silly, mixing self-deprecating anecdotes with spot-on impersonations of Michael Keaton as Batman and colleagues like James McAvoy and Benicio Del Toro.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • For example, Arizona State and WHL player Braxton Whitehead entered into a verbal commitment before the NCAA dropped the boycott.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Don't waste points on something that could be cheaper out of pocket; always compare the cash vs. points price of a flight, for example, to find your best cent-per-point value.
    Amelia Edelman, NPR, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • According to cops, a 34-year-old man was struck in the left hand with a machete by an unidentified man around 11:24 a.m. Friday near Southern Blvd.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The dead man, whose identity has not been released, is believed to be the tenant, Detective Angel Rodriguez said in an email to the Miami Herald.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • But Some Important New Clues Have Emerged For now, samples will still be submitted by hunters on a voluntary basis.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 24 Jan. 2025
  • For a multiple myeloma diagnosis, your healthcare provider will take a sample of bone marrow.2 Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue in the center of your bones.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, Health, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The guys on the bandstand are interpreting them horizontally, from left to right, one note at a time.
    Heather Augustyn, SPIN, 21 Jan. 2025
  • My Husband Was a Co-Guest of Honor at Our Baby Shower My husband has had the experience of being the only guy at our baby shower.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • During an appearance on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast in May 2023, Kim described herself as a hopeless romantic, and detailed wanting to share her life with someone special.
    Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The somber music should have been my first clue, but I was too wrapped up in the euphoria of Jane soon realizing that someone valued her life enough to save her from certain death.
    Lincee Ray, EW.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Sten Lennart Jakobsen/East Zealand Museum About 66 million years ago, just before the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs, a fish chewed up and spit out some sea creatures.
    James Doubek, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Read Next California Hundreds of sea creatures leap from California waters.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Without the guardrails of traditional content moderation, the responsibility to discern truth from falsehood falls more heavily on individuals.
    Cherie Brooke Luo, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The acting categories were largely dominated by first-time nominees, with 13 individuals scoring their first Oscar nods, including Kieran Culkin, Demi Moore, Isabella Rossellini and Zoe Saldaña.
    Sandra Gonzalez, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near specimen

Cite this Entry

“Specimen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specimen. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on specimen

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