Meaning & use

instance

noun·Academic

A particular example or single occurrence of something.

See it in a sentence

This is not the first instance of the printer malfunctioning this week.

In this instance, the committee decided to make an exception to the usual rule.

A note on using this word

The phrase "for instance" is a common way to introduce an example, functioning like "for example."

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “instance”, then compare your use with the examples above.

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