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.

For example, teenage births in the United States have been falling since the early 1990s, long before the dawn of the smartphone.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

"It's all a great deal slower than in cancer research, for example."

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

The market for NAV loans, for example, is estimated at $100 billion and is expected to grow significantly in the future, according to a 2025 report published by private markets firm Partners Group.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

In young people, the underlying cause can either be genetic or acquired in some way - after an infection or an allergic reaction to medication, for example.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

It does not mean, for example, that if one bond goes bad, there is a 30 percent chance that the others will go bad too.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

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