example

1 of 2

noun

ex·​am·​ple ig-ˈzam-pəl How to pronounce example (audio)
Synonyms of examplenext
1
: one that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not to be imitated
a good example
2
: a punishment inflicted on someone as a warning to others
also : an individual so punished
3
: one that is representative of all of a group or type
4
: a parallel or closely similar case especially when serving as a precedent or model
5
: an instance (such as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate a rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of a rule

example

2 of 2

verb

exampled; exampling ig-ˈzam-p(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce example (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to serve as an example of
2
archaic : to be or set an example to
Phrases
for example \ fər-​ig-​ˈzam-​pəl How to pronounce example (audio) , frig-​ \
: as an example
there are many sources of air pollution; exhaust fumes, for example

Synonyms

Noun

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for example

instance, case, illustration, example, sample, specimen mean something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category.

instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

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

illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

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

specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation.

model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

Examples of example in a Sentence

Noun He set a good example for the rest of us. She gave several examples to show that the program is effective. We've chosen three examples of contemporary architecture for closer study. a classic example of a Persian rug a fine example of the artist's work The dictionary includes thousands of examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
For example, Private Relay obscures your IP address while browsing the web using Safari. —PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 For example, California’s 52 House of Representatives members would have one vote the same as Wyoming’s single member, according to USA.gov. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
The collection includes a diamond and enamel example with the portrait of who is believed to be Princess Anne, the eldest daughter of King George II, and wife of William IV, Prince of Orange. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 How those perceptions shift over time are exampled by the Chabad of Poway synagogue shootings of April 27, 2019 resulting in the death of a beloved congregant and attempts at other congregants’ lives. —Doris Bittar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for example 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French essample, example, from Latin exemplum, from eximere to take out, from ex- + emere to take — more at redeem

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of example was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing example

Dictionary Entries Near example

examplar

example

exanimate

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Example.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/example. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

example

noun
ex·​am·​ple
ig-ˈzam-pəl
1
: one that serves as a pattern to be followed or not followed
set a good example
a bad example
2
a
: punishment given to someone as a warning to others
b
: the person so punished
we'll make an example of you
3
: one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like : sample
a fine example of the silversmith's art
4
: a problem to be solved to show how a rule works
examples in arithmetic

More from Merriam-Webster on example

Nglish: Translation of example for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of example for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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