SPECIMEN Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of specimen are case , example , illustration , instance , and sample . While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available. // one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

Q: When could 'case' be used to replace 'specimen'?

While in some cases nearly identical to specimen , 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 would 'example' be a good substitute for 'specimen'?

The words example and specimen can be used in similar contexts, but example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case. // a typical example of bureaucratic waste

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

In some situations, the words illustration and specimen 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

Q: When can 'instance' be used instead of 'specimen'?

The meanings of instance and specimen largely overlap; 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: Where would 'sample' be a reasonable alternative to 'specimen'?

Although the words sample and specimen have much in common, 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

specimen

noun

ˈspes-mən

Definition of specimen

as in example

one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like chose one frog as a good specimen of the breed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in person

a member of the human race he's a particularly handsome specimen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word specimen distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of specimen are case, example, illustration, instance, and sample. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

When could case be used to replace specimen?

While in some cases nearly identical to specimen, 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 would example be a good substitute for specimen?

The words example and specimen can be used in similar contexts, but example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

In what contexts can illustration take the place of specimen?

In some situations, the words illustration and specimen 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 can instance be used instead of specimen?

The meanings of instance and specimen largely overlap; however, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

Where would sample be a reasonable alternative to specimen?

Although the words sample and specimen have much in common, 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

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 specimen Not wanting a didactic feel, Ebenstein eschewed labels for the art, artifacts, masks, toys, skeletal and wet specimens, wax scientific models, devotional objects, vintage taxidermy and books. — Dina Cheney, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2026 Following his death in 1924, the Natural History Museum acquired more than 1,000 specimens from his collection, including the skull fragment. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Its staff goes on late-night talk shows with specimens in tow, hosts YouTube series. — Daniel Barnum, Longreads, 15 Oct. 2026 Ghana and Namibia refused to sign up over concerns about data and specimens, while Zimbabwe lost all US health aid last month. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specimen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for specimen

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

Noun

There are rippling gasps, drums, strings, sax, a vaguely Latin guitar, a sample of a woman talking about getting her hair done.

— Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
Scammers can lift voice samples from videos people casually post on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

— Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of sample

Noun

Russian authorities accused the Michigan man of signing a contract with Ukraine’s military in the eastern Ukrainian city of Izyum after Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022.

— Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
The plight of his followers began to emerge in mid-March 2023, when a local man told police that his brother and wife had starved their children to death in the forest on Mackenzie's orders.

— Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of man

Noun

Believing her daughter’s life was on the line, Del Mastro followed the caller’s instructions for five hours.

— Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Three of those defendants, in agreements, pleaded guilty to capital murder and were sentenced to life without parole.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of life

Noun

The special effects team has done terrific work re-creating his body down to the creature’s fringed lashes.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Again, another smash cut around Middle-earth reveals new flying and burrowing creatures, a shot of the Balrog (voiced by Simon Pegg) and more people armed with swords fighting for their lives.

— Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of creature

Noun

Only in this case, the vaccine’s mRNA teaches immune cells to recognize key features of an individual’s cancer rather than a virus.

— Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
California officials have countered that the list is unverified and includes the names of lawful voters, despite recent charges announced by DOJ of roughly 28 individuals from the list accused of voting and immigration-related crimes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of individual

Browse Nearby Words

specifying

specimen

specimens

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Style

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

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Synonyms of specimen

noun

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Synonyms of specimen

noun

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