example

n.

1. A representative

   illustration, case, instance, representative, specimen, part, warning, exemplar, exemplification, sample, citation, case in point, concrete example, pattern, model, object lesson, exempli gratia (Latin), prototype, archetype, stereotype, original, copy, symbol, quotation, exponent, for instance*.

2. Something to be imitated

   standard, pattern, model, precedent; see model 2.

example is applied to something that is cited as typical of the members of its group his novel is an example of romantic literature; instance refers to a person, thing, or event that is adduced to prove or support a general statement here is an instance of his sincerity; case is applied to any happening or condition that demonstrates the general existence or occurrence of something a case of mistaken identity; illustration is used of an instance or example that helps to explain or clarify something this sentence is an illustration of the use of a word See also syn. study at model.

set an example

without example