Definitions

example

[ig-zam-puhl, -zahm-] / ɪgˈzæm pəl, -ˈzɑm- /

NOUN

instance, model

Synonyms

STRONGEST

case illustration lesson object part pattern precedent symbol

STRONG

archetype citation copy excuse exemplar exemplification ideal original paradigm paragon prototype quotation representation sample sampling specimen standard stereotype

WEAK

case history case in point for instance kind of thing

Usage

What synonym should I use for example? Example as a sample: Example, sample, specimen refer to an individual phenomenon taken as representative of a type, or to a part representative of the whole. Example is used of an object, condition, etc., that is assumed to illustrate a certain principle or standard: a good example of baroque architecture. Sample refers to a small portion of a substance or to a single representative of a group or type that is intended to show what the rest of the substance or the group is like: a sample of yarn. Specimen usually suggests that the “sample” chosen is intended to serve a scientific or technical purpose: a blood specimen; zoological specimens. Example as a pattern: See ideal. Example as a specimen: See case¹.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He offers the real-life example of a female tech executive who had a longtime goal of buying a second home.

From Barron's • Jun. 13, 2026

For example, say you’re a CEO of a company going public.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026

"He galvanises everybody. When I played with him he certainly wasn't the most vocal of leaders but he definitely led by example and I think a lot of people fed off that."

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

One reason is to enjoy sentences like this by Mr. Baker: “It was another example of the solipsistic specialness these media panjandrums possess.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

We could, for example, take many round stones and roll the obelisk onto the sled instead of sliding it.

From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman

example

Usage

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing example

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

Argumentative Writing

example

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing example

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

Argumentative Writing