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
The report warns that the number of mob lynchings is growing, as are the instances of extrajudicial killings by the Haitian national police. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025 The analysis showed that the sound from the fatal flight was over 97 percent consistent with a different instance of emergency turbine deployment. Mika Gröndahl, New York Times, 28 June 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
  • The Tommy Bahama, for example, is loaded with useful features—without adding bulk.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Media personality Bo Dietl, for example, is teaming up with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to raise $10 million through an outside group to challenge Mamdani, the Wall Street Journal reported.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Marquez did not release the man’s name, citing the need to first notify his family of his death.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Paul cited the results of several investigations, including the one conducted by his committee, which found that the gunman was seen more than 90 minutes before the shooting and operated a drone, undetected, hours earlier.
    Emily Mae Czachor July 13, CBS News, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Halfbreed Rapids also is still mentioned on the Oneida County's tourism website encouraging paddling on the Tomahawk River.
    Frank Vaisvilas, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025
  • As mentioned, coconut contains a significant amount of fiber and MCTs.
    Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • When philosophy meets contract law The Microsoft-OpenAI dispute illustrates what happens when philosophical speculation is turned into legal obligations.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
  • The three friends who wrote and illustrated the story felt that those three stages were the perfect way to justify the collaboration.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Personal touches—like referencing a customer’s previous experience—are what turn service into loyalty.
    Dan Teixeira, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • At a news conference on Sunday, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, referenced the letter the United States sent to the bloc Saturday, which threatened to impose a 30% tariff on European goods exports on August 1 absent a trade agreement.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The policy specifies that the improvements in part will help contribute to and enhance downtown real estate and expand the local tax base as well as the employment base.
    Linda Girardi, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • The post did not specify which type of aircraft were involved.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Given to the forward who demonstrates throughout the season the most skill in the defensive component of the game.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • These weren't amateur attempts at gaming the system — they were carefully crafted prompt injections that demonstrated deep understanding of how AI systems process text and respond to instructions.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Sports fans may notice a difference in the race calls this season as longtime announcer Trevor Denman announced his retirement in March.
    Kelley Carlson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
  • Helping young people: Tribes seek foster care for kids in need, but strained resources lead some to group homes Manuel also noticed that many foster kids were hungry to learn about their cultural roots, which sparked another idea.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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