Another word for example
The best other words for example are exemplar, model, to illustrate and prototype.
- Most formal
- exemplar, paragon, specimen
- Strongest
- paragon, ideal, gold standard
- Casual
- like, say
- Instead of “a very good example”
- model, ideal, exemplar
Example /ɪgˈzæmpəl/ (noun): A person or thing that shows what something is like or helps explain or prove a point. In simple words: Something that shows what others can be like. Below are 21 rated synonyms across 4 senses, plus 23 more related words. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
21 synonyms shown
Illustrative instance · noun
a representative instance used to explain or demonstrate
Good model · noun
a person or thing worth copying
For example · phrase
used to introduce an example
Typical person · noun
someone whose behavior represents a group
Find the right strength and register
Drag the amber target to how strong and how formal you need the word to be. The three closest synonyms light up.
You asked for: equal strength, neutral register
- instance — slightly more analytical; often emphasizes a single case
- case — focuses on a particular situation or case study
- demonstration — shows something in action or proof
The dashed ring marks “example” itself: neutral strength, neutral register.
Synonyms for example in your sentence
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How to choose
Use instance, case, or illustration when you mean a concrete thing that explains a point; they are the safest near-synonyms in most writing. Reserve exemplar, paragon, and quintessential for more formal or evaluative contexts, and use for instance or such as when introducing examples in a sentence.
Antonyms of example
- counterexample
- exception
- outlier
- oddity
All synonyms at a glance
| Synonym | Strength | Formality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| instance | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| case | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| sample | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| specimen | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| exemplar | 3/5 | academic | academic, business |
| illustration | 2/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| demonstration | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| model | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| paragon | 4/5 | academic | academic, creative |
| ideal | 4/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| gold standard | 4/5 | neutral | business, academic, casual |
| blueprint | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| for instance | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| such as | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| like | 2/5 | casual | casual, creative |
| say | 2/5 | casual | casual, creative |
| to illustrate | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| prototype | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| quintessential | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| embodiment | 4/5 | formal | academic, creative, business |
| personification | 4/5 | formal | academic, creative |
Instead of “very example”
One precise word usually beats an intensifier. See the full words instead of “very” list.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| a very good example | model, ideal, exemplar |
| a good example | model, pattern, guide |
| a bad example | warning, caution, anti-model |
More words related to example
Looser matches and phrases, unrated. Check the sense before you swap one in, or compare it with “example”.
- illustrative case
- particular
- occurrence
- exhibit
- pattern
- lesson
- warning
- role model
- precedent
- proof
- evidence
- exemplification
- sample case
- case in point
- reference
- instance in point
- admirable person
- inspiration
- nonpareil
- model citizen
- model student
- showcase
- typical case
Questions about synonyms for example
What is the most formal synonym for example?
Exemplar is one of the most formal choices when you mean a model instance or a worthy example. In literary or moral contexts, paragon can sound even loftier, but it carries a stronger sense of perfection.
What is a stronger or milder alternative to example?
Paragon, exemplar, and gold standard are stronger than example because they praise something as especially outstanding. Sample, case, and instance are milder or more neutral when you just mean one representative item.
When should I use for instance instead of example?
Use for instance when you are introducing a specific example in running text. It is often smoother than example in prose and sounds natural in both formal and informal writing.
What is another word for example in writing?
In writing, common alternatives include "instance," "case," and "illustration." If you mean a person who should be copied, "model" or "exemplar" may fit better.
What is a more professional word for example?
In formal writing, "instance," "illustration," and "exemplar" are often more professional than "example." The best choice depends on whether you mean a specific case, something that explains an idea, or a person to admire.