specimen

noun

ˈspes-mən How to pronounce specimen (audio)
Definition of specimennext
1
as in person
a member of the human race he's a particularly handsome specimen

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like chose one frog as a good specimen of the breed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 To find out just how many species of these birds fluoresce, Martin screened specimens of adult males and females in a dark room by shining blue and ultraviolet light on them. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 23 Feb. 2025 The majority of the collection – 117 specimens – will be donated to the University of Notre Dame Museum of Biodiversity in Indiana, said the resolution. —Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2025 Since the discovery of the feather and the London and Berlin specimens, additional Archaeopteryx fossils have emerged, all from the Solnhofen region. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 To determine where each of the skulls had come from, the team first analysed the stable oxygen and strontium isotopes in the dental enamel of each of the specimens. —Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specimen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specimen
  1. person
  2. example
  3. man
  4. sample
  5. guy
  6. life
  7. creature
  8. individual
Noun
  • Every team has that one person everyone relies on for advice, project help, or problem-solving.
    — Sho Dewan, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Another way to pick up a virus is through handshaking and other forms of touch with another person.
    — Jennifer Welsh, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of person
Noun
  • For example, Zhou Guanyu's crash in Silverstone in 2023 could have done a lot more damage if there wasn't a catch fence there to stop the car.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • For example, branching enables trees to transport fluid, harvest light and maintain mechanical stability.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of example
Noun
  • Popular belief held that women were incapable of withstanding high altitudes, savage elements, and carrying heavy loads without men’s help.
    — Cassidy Randall, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The bottom line: Lookin' like another fowl season for Hooter and co. Drexel Drexel's men are done after they were bounced in the quarterfinals of the Colonial Athletic Association tourney.
    — Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of man
Noun
  • Everybody loves a good mystery, so think random acts of kindness like paying for someone's coffee at a local cafe, handing out free samples or surprising people with goodies.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • There were educational talks, live music and free samples of mushroom products – all possible because psilocybin is now decriminalized in Colorado.
    — Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of sample
Noun
  • Had the pleasure of traveling, talking, crying, arguing, eating and hanging with this guy all over the globe ...
    — Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The Royals have a list of guys that can earn the role.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of guy
Noun
  • This concept, detailed in his Nicomachean Ethics, links happiness to living a meaningful life in accordance with reason.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • In 2021, a Facebook post from Combs sang her praises as controlling all aspects of his life.
    — Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of life
Noun
  • Back in 2013, the gelatinous sea creature was declared the world’s ugliest animal.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Nearby, kids were crouching to look into a clear tube tank and even adults were sliding on their backs under the adjacent upside-down jellyfish tank to snap a picture of these topsy-turvy creatures.
    — Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of creature
Noun
  • What was perhaps most damaging was when companies rushed to recruit and promote unqualified individuals on the basis of their identity.
    — Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Research by the organization has shown that non-LGBTQ viewers who see LGBTQ people in media are 50% more likely to feel familiar with the community, and 35% more likely to be comfortable interacting with LGBTQ individuals.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of individual

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Cite this Entry

“Specimen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specimen. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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