List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 145

SYNONYMS: example, instance, case, illustration, sample, specimen.
Each of these nouns refers to what is representative of or serves to explain a larger group or class.

An example represents, usually typically, something of which it is a part and thereby demonstrates the character of the whole: Of what unrestrained military power leads to, we have plenty of examples from Alexander to Mao.
An instance is an example that is cited to prove or invalidate a contention or to illustrate a point: an, instance of flagrant corruption.
A case is an action, an occurrence, or a condition that constitutes a specific instance of something being discussed, decided, or treated: a typical case of child neglect; few cases of diphtheria.
An illustration is an example that clarifies or explains: provided an illustration of the word in context; gave an illustration of her courage.
A sample is an actual part of something larger, presented as evidence of the quality or nature of the whole: distributing samples of a new detergent; gave us a sample of her temper.
Specimen is sometimes synonymous with sample, but it often denotes an individual, representative member of a group or class: This poem is a fair specimen of his work.