example

noun

Something that is representative of all such things in a group.

Something that serves to illustrate or explain a rule.

Something that serves as a pattern of behaviour to be imitated (a good example) or not to be imitated (a bad example).

A parallel or closely similar case, especially when serving as a precedent or model.

An instance (as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate the rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of the rule.

A person punished as a warning to others.

verb

To be illustrated or exemplified (by).

Roots

emoampl- · Latin · take, buy

Synonyms for example

instancen exemplarn modeln illustrationn exemplificationn lessonn casen specimenn typificationn referencen patternn representativen citev

Synonyms & related words for example

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of example — including instance, exemplar, model, illustration, exemplification, lesson. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to example

Explore words related to example — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include exemplificative, exemplum, ensample, exemplified, exemplary, illustrative, counterexample, exemplarity. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for example

Common synonyms for example include instance, exemplar, model, illustration, exemplification, lesson, case, specimen — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does example come from?

The word example breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root ampl-, from Latin emo (“take, buy”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.