example

noun

ig-ˈzam-pəl How to pronounce example (audio)
Definition of examplenext
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

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 example For example, Raynaud’s syndrome affects circulation to fingers and toes. —Novant Health, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025 Judges have wide discretion to decide cases, and some have clear patterns of decisions; for example, some may grant asylum nearly every time, while others may deny it nearly every time. —Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 6 June 2025 For example, the survey found that consumers’ net purchase consideration levels have dipped in Canada and Europe but remained stable in China. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 6 June 2025 Or why, for example, would Wayne Rooney, his former Old Trafford colleague, sign him twice for both Derby County and DC United? —Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for example
Recent Examples of Synonyms for example
  1. instance
  2. sample
  3. illustration
  4. specimen
  5. case
Noun
  • The protests had been largely peaceful throughout Friday and Saturday, with isolated instances of violent activity.
    — Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • Though police have never charged Abrego Garcia with domestic violence, his wife Jennifer Vasquez Sura filed a 2021 protection order alleging instances of violence in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Definition of instance
Noun
  • Tickets for the cooking challenge are $70 per person and include three drinks on top of the competition samples and other bites from Mulvaney’s, according to the organizers.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • The sample size for Turner is a slash line of .268/.326/.366 in 44 at-bats.
    — Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Definition of sample
Noun
  • With more than 50 tattoos, the imagery comes in a huge variety of artistic styles, from a simple linework Matisse illustration to an intricately detailed Visconti of Milan coat of arms to a classic rose and photorealistic pet portraits.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 2 June 2025
  • The words were names, surnames, dates, cities and towns, sometimes with illustrations for reference, according to the release.
    — Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • Among the project’s many surprises, three specimens of possible flint from Chalosse have been tentatively identified.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 5 June 2025
  • Some of them had families -- mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, human beings -- not specimens, not numbers.
    — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 31 May 2025
Definition of specimen
Noun
  • In the Lynk & Co 08’s case, a 39.6 kWh battery is included, delivering 120 miles of WLTP range.
    — James Morris, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • The gravel crunches as more and more guests arrive with romping dogs, small children, and cases of seltzer.
    — Alessandra Schade, Vogue, 7 June 2025
Definition of case

Browse Nearby Words

examining
example
examples
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Cite this Entry

“Example.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/example. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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