instance 1 of 2

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
3

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
Looking at the past five years, Dell Technologies has seen a negative one-day return following its earnings announcements in 53% of instances. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 May 28, 2025 What's different today is that the Israeli defense forces used a high-energy laser capable of locking onto and destroying a drone by, in at least one instance, burning off the wings. David Szondy, New Atlas, 28 May 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
Noun
  • For example, the family of Martin Gutierrez, whose body was found in the lake in 2018, before the media frenzy around Lady Bird Lake, believe he was drugged while on a night out.
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 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
Verb
  • State troopers cited the truck driver who caused the crash, a 57-year-old Texas man, for careless driving causing injury, according to the agency.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 7 June 2025
  • The university cited scheduling issues and recruitment disadvantages as factors influencing the decision.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Even senior aides like Clive Alderton, also mentioned in Harry’s memoir, are unlikely to push for a personal outreach.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • The announcement comes a week after Nikon mentioned in its earnings call that uncertainty around tariffs could reduce its operating profits by 10 billion yen (approximately $69.5 million).
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • However, as one family’s experience illustrates, the story of the Great Wealth Transfer is far more complex.
    Joseph Coughlin, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • To illustrate the scale of this complexity, Lin explains that there can be seemingly endless ticket combinations for trips between Los Angeles and London.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Zuckerberg also referenced another viral moment in Boone's performance.
    Grace Harrington, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • Hegseth, in his own remarks, repeatedly referenced the men who sacrificed their lives for the nation but made no reference to women who have served in the military or died in combat.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Musk did not specify the context in which Trump is allegedly in the files.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • The department did not specify exactly how many people were in custody as of Friday afternoon.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Of course, none of that would matter if the team had not demonstrated strong fan support and signed up those 10,000 season-ticket holders, which is around the same number the Warriors have in the same arena—albeit at a lower price.
    Matt Craig, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Marine Group officials wanted to demonstrate that converting similarly sized tugs from diesel to electric can be replicated by other companies, such as excursion boats and dinner cruises.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Other journalists noticed a drop-off in performance for the convertibles, and probably more so than the mild weight gains of just about 100 lbs (45 kg) might suggest.
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
  • Karen Walsh began to notice a change in her husband back in 2017.
    Jon Hamilton, NPR, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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