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
  • Chris Perugini’s introduction to whiskey came at a time when Scotch was cheap, bourbon collected dust on liquor store shelves, and the only person drinking Manhattans was your ... Editorial Standards Forbes Accolades Join The Conversation Comments 0 One Community.
    Chris Perugini, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Designers like Mike Amiri, for example, brought vanity to the fore in a collection that looks more worldly than Casablanca and less compromising than recent Tom Ford.
    Julian Randall, Essence, 25 Jan. 2025
  • 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
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 company’s leader eventually recognized Dr. Baek and granted him passage, ordering his men to cease fire on the vehicle.
    Isadora Wandermurem, TIME, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Then have recruiters examine a random sample of résumés that were flagged as unfit.
    Casey Marquette, Forbes, 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
  • 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
  • The guys on the bandstand are interpreting them horizontally, from left to right, one note at a time.
    Heather Augustyn, SPIN, 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
  • While Hoyer’s fate is uncertain, the return of Sosa brought some new life to an often stale product — the annual Cubs Convention.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are discovered across the planet.
    Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
  • By leveraging cutting-edge genetic engineering technologies, Colossal aims to restore these creatures to their rightful place in the ecosystem, potentially mitigating the devastating effects of biodiversity loss.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • With programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the new Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, individuals in qualifying professions or financial situations can reduce or eliminate their debt.
    Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Companies and individuals cannot afford to pay usurious 25% interest on mortgages and loans, so lending has plummeted.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 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 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on specimen

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