Thesaurus results for SAMPLE

Q: How is the word 'sample' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sample are case , example , illustration , instance , and specimen . While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," 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

Q: When is 'case' a more appropriate choice than 'sample'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sample , 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

Q: When can 'example' be used instead of 'sample'?

The meanings of example and sample largely overlap; however, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case. // a typical example of bureaucratic waste

Q: When could 'illustration' be used to replace 'sample'?

Although the words illustration and sample have much in common, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement. // a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

Q: When might 'instance' be a better fit than 'sample'?

In some situations, the words instance and sample are roughly equivalent. However, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain. // an instance of history repeating itself

Q: In what contexts can 'specimen' take the place of 'sample'?

The synonyms specimen and sample are sometimes interchangeable, but specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available. // one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

sample 1 of 2

noun

ˈsam-pəl

Definition of sample

as in sampling

a number of things selected from a group to stand for the whole based on a sample of the menu items, we decided that this was the best restaurant in town

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in example

one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this vase is a sample of the high-quality glassware that the glassblowers can produce

Synonyms & Similar Words

sample

2 of 2

verb

as in to test

to put (something) to a test sampled the soup to see if it tasted good

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sample distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sample are case, example, illustration, instance, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," 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

When is case a more appropriate choice than sample?

While in some cases nearly identical to sample, 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 can example be used instead of sample?

The meanings of example and sample largely overlap; however, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When could illustration be used to replace sample?

Although the words illustration and sample have much in common, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When might instance be a better fit than sample?

In some situations, the words instance and sample are roughly equivalent. However, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

In what contexts can specimen take the place of sample?

The synonyms specimen and sample are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 sample

Noun

The sample was balanced across key demographic groups—including age, gender and region to ensure broad representation before aggregating responses to highlight the top state choices. — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026 After the Heat’s 0-2 start to the season, those questions have only grown louder despite the limited sample size. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026

Verb

No other non-English content draws more viewing on Netflix than K-content, and over four in five of its subscribers worldwide have sampled at least one Korean title. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026 This statement also permeates the work of rapper Alkoy, who on Valle Chakal Ki sampled idiosyncratic records from Salta, foregrounding the handmade drums and dramatic guitars that boom in every plaza. — Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sample

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sample

Noun

As title sponsor of the WTA’s flagship event, Fage will have brand visibility across broadcast and venue, product sampling, fan experiences and hospitality at the WTA Finals.

— Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Tissue sampling is helping patients choose better treatments.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of sampling

Noun

The world’s highest-profile tech billionaires offer the most conspicuous examples.

— Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
One particularly promising example is an MRI technique that identifies the central vein sign, a feature that can help physicians distinguish lesions associated with MS from abnormalities caused by other conditions.

— Bruce Bebo, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of example

Verb

Or will the Seahawks load the box and play the run, daring Patrick Mahomes to test them over the top.

— Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
Founder Philip Manghisi tested the market through seasonal pop-ups before committing to a permanent location, citing Park City’s affluent customer base and limited luxury retail competition.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of test

Browse Nearby Words

sampans

sample

sampled

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Sample.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sample. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sample

noun

verb

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