Picking another word for example depends on what your sentence is trying to prove or show. Instance and case point to one event, illustration explains an idea, sample stands for a larger group, and model is something worth copying.
Students often repeat example five times in one essay. Mixing in a few of these words makes the writing smoother without changing what you mean. Each synonym for example below comes with a quick note on tone and a sentence you can adapt.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
instance, illustration, case, sample, modelPart of speech
NounMost formal
exemplar, paradigm, specimenMost casual
case, like, sayFor copying
model, role model, templateAntonyms
exception, anomaly, outlierWord forms covered
examples, for example, exemplifyWatch out
Specimen sounds scientific. Calling a person a specimen sounds rude or comic.
Another word for example, matched to its job
Example covers several jobs. Locate your purpose on the left and read the matching words beside it.
| Job | Words | How it reads |
|---|---|---|
| Proves a claim | instance, case, case in point | The flood was a clear case of poor planning. |
| Makes an idea clearer | illustration, demonstration | As an illustration, picture a bucket with a hole. |
| Stands for a group | sample, specimen, representative | We tested a sample of the water. |
| Shows the right way | model, template, benchmark | Use last year's report as a template. |
| A person to admire | role model, inspiration, paragon | Her coach became a role model. |
| Shows what to avoid | lesson, warning, cautionary tale | His fine served as a warning to others. |
Casual to formal: picking the register
Our register strip for example climbs from casual on one side to formal on the other. Case is plain and works anywhere. Sample is everyday but slightly technical. Instance sounds neat in essays. Illustration is a step up and suits explanations. Exemplar belongs in academic or teaching writing, often for a perfect model answer.
Swaps in school and work writing
- One example of pollution is plastic becomes one instance of pollution is plastic waste.
- Here is an example of my work becomes here is a sample of my work.
- She is a great example for the younger kids becomes she is a great role model for the younger kids.
- This invoice is an example to follow becomes use this invoice as a template.
- The crash is an example of why rules matter becomes the crash is a case in point.
- Let me give an example becomes let me illustrate.
A history essay reads: "An example of reform is the new school law. Another example is the tax change." Rewritten: "One instance of reform is the new school law; the tax change offers a second illustration." Nothing in the argument changes; only the rhythm improves, and the list feel disappears.
Synonyms for the phrase for example
When example is part of a linking phrase, swap the whole phrase. For instance is the closest match. Such as introduces a short list inside a sentence: fruits such as mango and guava. To illustrate opens a longer explanation, and namely names exactly which items you mean.
The for example synonyms and such as synonyms pages go deeper, and our list of transition and linking words shows how these fit into paragraphs.
Plural and verb forms: examples and exemplify
For examples in the plural, use instances, cases, samples or illustrations. To turn the idea into a verb, choose exemplify, illustrate, show or demonstrate: her story exemplifies quiet courage. You will find further showing verbs under demonstrate synonyms.
Easy mix-ups
Evidence is broader than an example; one example rarely proves a whole argument. Sample suggests a part taken from something larger, which rules it out for a made-up scenario. Ideal means perfect, which is stronger than a simple model. Use e.g. only in notes or tables, and write it with both periods.
Opposites of an example
An example fits the pattern. Its opposites break it: an exception, an anomaly or an outlier.
- Most birds fly, but the penguin is an exception.
- One very high score was an outlier in the data.
- The cold summer was an anomaly in the weather records.
A generalization is the reverse in another way: it states a broad rule instead of showing one specific case. Good writing usually pairs the two, a general claim followed by a concrete instance.
Frequently asked questions
Which example synonym sounds best in academic essays?
Instance and illustration are what most teachers expect. Exemplar fits academic writing about model answers or perfect cases.
Can I use instance instead of example?
Yes, in most cases. Instance focuses on one occurrence, so it suits events and facts better than objects.
What word means a good example to follow?
Model, role model and benchmark all work. Paragon, a bookish choice, names a near-perfect person.
How do I avoid saying for example too often?
Rotate for instance, such as, to illustrate and consider the case of. You can also drop the phrase and let the example speak for itself.
If something does not fit the pattern, what do I call it?
An exception is the usual opposite, since it does not follow the pattern. In data, outlier or anomaly is more precise.
Is sample a synonym for example?
Sometimes. A sample is a real piece taken from a larger set, such as a sample of fabric, so it does not fit imagined cases.