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

Relevance

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
  • For example, researchers have discovered that mutations in the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes signal higher risk for certain cancers like breast cancer.
    — Abigail Dubiniecki, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • And Carter has been characterized as more individualistic than team-oriented in his on-field football approach by some scouts, needing more discipline to stay in structure rather than always pursuing a big play, for example.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of example
Verb
  • Meetings are cited as a particular example; hold them only when necessary.
    — Michael Peregrine, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The decision aims to expedite the construction process, which the administration cites as crucial for national security.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of cite
Verb
  • Canoe and kayak clubs have also been mentioned as likely users at South Shores.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Ashton also mentioned significant obstacles that faced the cast and crew after the destructive Los Angeles wildfires in January.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of mention
Verb
  • Renee Hale | Grapevine, Texas The article by Chris Heath about Robert Caro is beautifully done and illustrated.
    — Smithsonian magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Circle and OpenAI’s recent successes illustrate that blockchain and AI are now ready for robust regulatory dialogue, positioning these technologies for sustainable growth.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of illustrate
Verb
  • Calculate your cup size: To calculate, subtract your band size (as referenced in step one) from your bust size (as referenced in step two).
    — Bianca London, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Ballal denied accusations of stone throwing and said the soldiers mocked him, referencing his Oscar win while detaining him.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of reference
Verb
  • Markle did not specify which of her pregnancies was followed by postpartum preeclampsia, but the conversation—a glimpse behind the curtain—is an honest and vulnerable one.
    — Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The bill also gives the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services various requirements, including those to report specified Medicaid data to the Medicaid oversight committee.
    — Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of specify
Verb
  • Physical resistance is not required on the part of the victim to demonstrate lack of consent.
    — Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 7 Apr. 2025
  • These missions typically include booster recoveries, either at sea or on land, further demonstrating the company's focus on reusable launch technology to lower the cost of access to space.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 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
  • Correa noticed López motioning toward his leg during a walk of Jonathan India and immediately went to the mound for a visit.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 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 15 Apr. 2025.

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