Thesaurus results for EXAMPLE

Q: How is the word 'example' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of example are case , illustration , instance , sample , and specimen . While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case. // a typical example of bureaucratic waste

Q: When could 'case' be used to replace 'example'?

While in some cases nearly identical to example , 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

Q: When would 'illustration' be a good substitute for 'example'?

The meanings of illustration and example largely overlap; however, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement. // a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

Q: Where would 'instance' be a reasonable alternative to 'example'?

In some situations, the words instance and example 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

Q: When is 'sample' a more appropriate choice than 'example'?

Although the words sample and example 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

Q: When might 'specimen' be a better fit than 'example'?

The words specimen and example can be used in similar contexts, 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

noun

ig-ˈzam-pəl

Definition of example next

as in instance

one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like a war bonnet that is a fine example of Native American handicraft

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word example distinct from other similar nouns?

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

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When could case be used to replace example?

While in some cases nearly identical to example, 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 illustration be a good substitute for example?

The meanings of illustration and example largely overlap; however, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

Where would instance be a reasonable alternative to example?

In some situations, the words instance and example 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

When is sample a more appropriate choice than example?

Although the words sample and example 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

When might specimen be a better fit than example?

The words specimen and example can be used in similar contexts, 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

Examples 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 example For example, the AirPods Pro 2’s Hearing Aid function is only available when the External Sound Capture mode is enabled, but the pressure-sensitive sensor on the shaft used to switch between settings was a little difficult for my grandmother to operate. —

Asuka Kawanabe, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024 For example, the Jackal has still not been paid for his successful assassination, and his wife has disappeared, leaving Redmayne to look for her and his family. —

Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024 For example, caffeine and alcohol consumed late at night can disrupt sleep cycles and contribute to morning anxiety. —

Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024 My cousin, for example, lives with four other twenty-somethings in a messy, buzzing apartment that’s not so different from college. —

Ivy Becker, StyleCaster, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for example

Recent Examples of Synonyms for example

Noun

In his book, Grayson reports on instances of viewers leaving inappropriate messages in the chat, including messages regarding self-harm that streamers are not equipped to respond to.

Dhanika Pineda, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024
The increase in these instances could lead to worsening relations between Russia and NATO.

Maya Mehrara, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024