An example is something used to show what a thing is like, to illustrateto make an idea clear by giving a case or explanation a point, or to set a patterna model or arrangement that others can follow for others. It can also mean a warning punishmenta penalty given for wrong behavior or breaking rules or a practice problem in a book.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ɪɡˈzæmpəl/
Easy pronunciation: ig-ZAM-puhl (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress is on the second syllable: ZAM.
Noun meaning a typical case or thing that shows what a group is like.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Example Meaning
a case or thing that shows what a group is like
Part of speech: noun
Definition: an item of information that is typical of a class or group
Example: This is a good example of modern design.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- illustration — Works when something is used to show or explain a general point.
- instance — A specific case that represents a larger group or idea.
- representative — Works in phrases like representative example, but is less direct as a standalone substitute.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Example
Meaning 2
a pattern that others can follow
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a representative form or pattern
Example: His work became an example for young artists.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- model — A person or thing that others can copy or follow.
Meaning 3
someone or something worth copying
Part of speech: noun
Definition: something to be imitated
Example: She set an example for the rest of the team.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- exemplar — A formal word for a perfect or ideal model.
- good example — A direct phrase for someone worth imitating.
- model — Used for a person or thing that should be followed.
Meaning 4
a particular case of something happening
Part of speech: noun
Definition: an occurrence of something
Example: There are many examples of this problem in big cities.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- case — A single occurrence or situation.
- instance — A specific occurrence of something.
Meaning 5
a punishment meant to warn other people
Part of speech: noun
Definition: punishment intended as a warning to others
Example: They made an example of the thief.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- deterrent example — A punishment meant to discourage others.
- lesson — Works in the sense of a warning, though it is broader and less exact.
- object lesson — A clear warning or demonstration, often used figuratively.
Meaning 6
a practice problem in a book or class
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding
Example: Work through the examples at the end of the chapter.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- exercise — A practice task or problem used for learning.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Example Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- illustration
- instance
- case
a pattern or model to follow
- model
someone or something worth copying
- exemplar
- good example
- model
a particular occurrence or case
- case
- instance
a warning punishment
- deterrent example
- lesson
- object lesson
a practice problem or task
- exercise
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Don't confuse example meaning 'illustration' with example meaning 'model to follow'.
- In punishment contexts, example means 'make an example of someone,' not a general illustration.
- In school or textbook contexts, examples are practice problems, not just sample cases.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does example mean in simple English?
It usually means something used to explain or show a general idea, or a case that represents a larger group.
What are the best synonyms for example?
For the main sense, good synonyms are illustration, instance, and case. Other senses use model, exemplar, exercise, and a few fixed phrases.
Can example mean a person?
Yes. It can mean a person whose behavior should be copied, as in set an example or be a good example.
Is example always interchangeable with instance?
No. Instance works best when you mean a specific case or occurrence, not a model or a warning punishment.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.