case 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈkās How to pronounce case (audio)
Definition of casenext
1
as in sheath
something that encloses another thing especially to protect it those binoculars come with their own case

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in bin
a covered rectangular container for storing or transporting things a handy little cosmetics case that matches the rest of her luggage

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case

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
as in patient
an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment her doctor wishes that all of his cases were as cooperative as she is

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2
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this is a perfect case of people jumping to the wrong conclusion before all the facts are known

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3
as in fact
something that actually exists this has never been the case before

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act you'll get a chance to make your case, but unless you're very convincing, your request will be denied

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5
as in bout
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder a young boy suffering from a case of chicken pox

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in possibility
something that might happen it may be the case that the cause of the fire will forever remain a mystery

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7
as in problem
something that requires thought and skill for resolution that's a tough case to solve

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

case

3 of 3

verb

as in to enclose

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word case distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of case are example, illustration, instance, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," 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 case?

While in some cases nearly identical to case, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When is it sensible to use illustration instead of case?

While the synonyms illustration and case are close in meaning, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When could instance be used to replace case?

Although the words instance and case have much in common, 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 sample take the place of case?

The meanings of sample and case largely overlap; however, 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 case?

The synonyms specimen and case 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

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 case
Noun
Here’s what to know: Are there any measles cases in Florida? —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025 The Zillion Direct doesn’t stand out as either a great- or poor-performing case in our formal thermal tests, so our consideration criteria are reduced to its feature set and to harder-to-quantify things like build quality. —PCMAG, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
This prevents the outside casing from being damaged and protects the display when not in use. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025 According to a recent study by Royal Society Open Science, the bomb’s casing material deteriorates, but not the active explosives inside like Amatol and TNT, meaning the core explosives are as potent as when they were manufactured. —Jim Clash, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for case
Recent Examples of Synonyms for case
  1. enclose
  2. encase
  3. fit
  4. encompass
  5. house
  6. accommodate
Verb
  • Experts additionally recommend enclosing animal pens and coops with fencing––including on top––to keep spaces free of rodent and wild birds.
    — Jude Coleman, Scientific American, 14 Mar. 2025
  • There are also plenty of her scarab rings, jellyfish earrings and even Egyptian amulets enclosed in small glass globes, compounding on the idea of timeless treasures.
    — Lily Templeton, WWD, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of enclose
Verb
  • To preserve the oddity, Greene covered it in lard and then encased it in salt — a typical practice before iceboxes and refrigerators.
    — Colson Thayer, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • This meant from just below my clavicle to my mid thigh, I was encased in elastane.
    — Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of encase
Verb
  • Look for the Patriots to also target mid-level veterans on defense who fit the new vision for Mike Vrabel's defense.
    — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2025
  • This is an excellent option for those who have trouble finding big and tall sizes that fit, because there are a lot of different options.
    — BestReviews, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of fit
Verb
  • The five-mile-long mountain ridge that encompasses Mount Yoshino is said to be covered by about 30,000 cherry trees—the oldest of which is thought to have been planted more than 1,300 years ago.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Silver sneakers encompass a plethora of styles and trends, so finding your best match for the season ahead is a cinch.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of encompass
Verb
  • The Greenbrier has done more for the country than house its heads of state.
    — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025
  • An agent tells Abdalla that Khalil is being taken to 26 Federal Plaza, which houses an ICE office in lower Manhattan.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of house
Verb
  • Explain the value of taking stress breaks during the day, and offer anytime access to resources to accommodate long hours or busy travel schedules. 4.
    — Michael Held, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • To accommodate the rush, airlines serving Sacramento International Airport have increased their service capacity in March by 21% compared to March 2024, Myers said.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of accommodate

Phrases Containing case

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Cite this Entry

“Case.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/case. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on case

Nglish: Translation of case for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about case

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