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

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 sample
Noun
Sinner’s test samples contained 86 picograms/litre on 10 March, and 76pg/litre on 18 March, when adjusted for the application of a normal specific gravity. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 However, that sample was collected closer to the surface, thanks to natural processes that push up layers of older blue ice. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
According to the study, which appeared in the National Science Review journal, mission planners are currently analyzing where on Mars to sample, what to choose, how to sample and how to utilize the collected materials. Leonard David, Space.com, 3 Jan. 2025 In the snippet, Spencer watched Meghan scoop ice cream, and the friends later sampled a snack together with friend Kelly McKee Zajfen. Janine Henni, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sample 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sample
Noun
  • The sampling rate to pick up your touch inputs has been dialled up to 2,500 Hz All this gives a smooth gaming experience on the screen, both as visuals and as a controller.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Technology tests in include regolith sampling, regolith adherence, Global Navigation Satellite System abilities, radiation tolerant computing, and dust mitigation using electrodynamic fields.
    Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • For example, what would happen if a government wanted to prevent a dissident politician or human rights activist like Frank van der Linde from boarding a plane?
    Caitlin Chandler, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025
  • In Oregon, for example, more than half (about $12) of the $22.50 retail fee will fund program operational costs in 2025, with the remainder funding things like start-up costs, administration, and public education and advertising.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • To stay competitive, organizations must adopt sophisticated approaches to test authoring to ensure scalability and quality.
    Maneesh Sharma, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Wild birds or poultry have now tested positive for at least one of the H5N1 strains in every state.
    Alexander Tin, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • 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

Thesaurus Entries Near sample

Cite this Entry

“Sample.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sample. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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