Another word for example
Example (noun): A person or thing that shows what something is like or helps explain or prove a point. Below are 21 synonyms across 4 senses. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
Most formal: exemplar, paragon, specimenStrongest: paragon, ideal, gold standard
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 |
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.