instance 1 of 2

noun

ˈin(t)-stən(t)s How to pronounce instance (audio)
Definition of instancenext
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this is just one instance of his repeated failure to do what he promised

Synonyms & Similar Words

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instance

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to cite
to give as an example instanced one particular incident as an illustration of their penchant for practical jokes

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to mention
to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically instanced the latest astronomical research in her presentation on measuring star magnitude

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to illustrate
to show or make clear by using examples instanced the hero's moral courage with several examples from the novel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word instance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of instance are case, example, illustration, sample, and specimen. While all these words 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

When could case be used to replace instance?

Although the words case and instance have much in common, 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 might example be a better fit than instance?

The meanings of example and instance largely overlap; however, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When can illustration be used instead of instance?

In some situations, the words illustration and instance 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 is it sensible to use sample instead of instance?

The words sample and instance can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Where would specimen be a reasonable alternative to instance?

While the synonyms specimen and instance are close in meaning, 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 instance
Noun
In one instance, an applicant for a position at voice authentication startup Pindrop Security used deepfake AI technology to mask his face, Pindrop CEO and co-founder Vijay Balasubramaniyan told CNBC. —Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025 In another instance, a video showing a golden retriever's reaction to his humans coming home after a month away went viral. —Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
This sentence was changed on 30 November 2018 after some readers pointed out to the author instances in the literature that had considered these issues. —IEEE Spectrum, 15 Nov. 2018 Topics under discussion included changes in the industry over the last decade, instanced by the rise of digital and gaming, audience fragmentation, and the emergence of disruptive technologies such as AI. —Liza Foreman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for instance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instance
  1. example
  2. cite
  3. mention
  4. illustrate
  5. reference
  6. specify
  7. demonstrate
  8. notice
Noun
  • In Southern California, for example, the 50501 spokesman says food drives are planned to support people who continue to struggle in the wake of the January wildfires as well as those who may be affected by the rising price of goods amid President Trump's tariffs.
    — Emma Bowman, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Visitors can double as such, by picking up trash, for example, and otherwise looking out for the environment at the parks.
    — Addy Bink, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of example
Verb
  • Putin announced a temporary Easter ceasefire in Ukraine starting Saturday, citing humanitarian reasons.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Deerfield Public Schools District 109 responded to the investigation in a statement to Fox News Digital and, like the IHSA, cited the Illinois Human Rights Act for its protocols.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of cite
Verb
  • Dealing with the Unification Wars that had only ever been mentioned in passing, Macross Zero was meant to show how these wars were fought and, more importantly, what for.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The university in its statement to The Bee said the $500,000 salary mentioned by Wood in media reports for the permanent general manager referred to the total compensation package, including benefits.
    — Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of mention
Verb
  • As the graphic above illustrates, Galatasaray’s Napoli loanee can find space to shoot, even with limited service.
    — Ali Rampling, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Her own work has illustrated how different brain regions activate when processing English or Chinese sentences because of their differing linguistic properties.
    — Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • Trump also referenced a 2021 domestic violence complaint against Abrego Garcia, in which no charges were filed.
    — Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The 39-page opinion of the district court doesn't even reference any of that.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of reference
Verb
  • In her account posted on Wednesday, April 9, the woman — who does not specify her own age — explained that a 17-year-old family member gave birth to her first baby the previous day.
    — Toria Sheffield, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • For the completists among you, here is the full list of June releases, though what order within the month is not specified.
    — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of specify
Verb
  • Jack Moorhouse, a 19-year-old midfielder, has demonstrated an ability to pick up the ball and carry it up the pitch at youth level — an attribute sorely lacking among the first-team squad.
    — Mark Critchley, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • That call demonstrates, Parrish said, why fire departments and utility companies are cautious when working a gas leak.
    — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of demonstrate
Verb
  • According to the Miami Herald, a separate guest stayed in the room with Tillman's dead body in the closet, but didn't notice it.
    — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Filing electronically is usually the fastest way for taxpayers to receive their refunds, as the system flags common errors that taxpayers may otherwise not notice.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of notice

Browse Nearby Words

installs
instance
instanced
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Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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