case 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈkās How to pronounce case (audio)
Definition of casenext
1
as in sheath
something that encloses another thing especially to protect it those binoculars come with their own case

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in bin
a covered rectangular container for storing or transporting things a handy little cosmetics case that matches the rest of her luggage

Synonyms & Similar Words

case

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
as in patient
an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment her doctor wishes that all of his cases were as cooperative as she is

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this is a perfect case of people jumping to the wrong conclusion before all the facts are known

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in fact
something that actually exists this has never been the case before

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act you'll get a chance to make your case, but unless you're very convincing, your request will be denied

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5
as in bout
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder a young boy suffering from a case of chicken pox

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in possibility
something that might happen it may be the case that the cause of the fire will forever remain a mystery

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7
as in problem
something that requires thought and skill for resolution that's a tough case to solve

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

case

3 of 3

verb

as in to enclose

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word case distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of case are example, illustration, instance, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with.

a case of mistaken identity

When would example be a good substitute for case?

While in some cases nearly identical to case, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When is it sensible to use illustration instead of case?

While the synonyms illustration and case are close in meaning, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When could instance be used to replace case?

Although the words instance and case have much in common, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

In what contexts can sample take the place of case?

The meanings of sample and case largely overlap; however, sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities.

show us a sample of your work

When might specimen be a better fit than case?

The synonyms specimen and case are sometimes interchangeable, but specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of case
Noun
This is a combination case, keyboard, trackpad, and kickstand. —Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 26 May 2025 New films include an untitled drama about the Elize Matsunaga case, in which Matsunaga killed and dismembered her husband—a case that was previously the subject of Netflix’s 2021 docuseries Elize Matsunaga: Once Upon a Crime. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 26 May 2025
Verb
The individual appeared to case Bedell’s home before returning approximately an hour later with a concrete block and duct tape. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2025 What was Combs’s response to these six lawsuits, case no. 13 to case no. 18? —Claudia Rosenbaum, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for case
Recent Examples of Synonyms for case
  1. enclose
  2. encase
  3. fit
  4. encompass
  5. house
  6. accommodate
Verb
  • The fencing should enclose the pool, have a self-close latch out of the reach of children and be at least 4 feet high.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
  • The intricate lacing system is enclosed and features white accents.
    — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 22 May 2025
Definition of enclose
Verb
  • The intervertebral discs between the spinal vertebrae comprise a gel-like core, the nucleus pulposus (NP), encased by a tough, fibrous outer ring.
    — Paul McClure May 06, New Atlas, 6 May 2025
  • The movement is encased in a soft-iron inner cage, which shields it from magnetic fields that can negatively affects the accuracy of mechanical timepieces.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 May 2025
Definition of encase
Verb
  • The chart blends streaming activity, sales, and radio airplay to determine which compositions that fit this particular definition are the most popular.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Holmgren appears to be the center — at least through one game — whose versatile skill set fits a series that is tilting small.
    — Anthony Slater, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Definition of fit
Verb
  • Furthermore, Trump’s freeze on disbursement of funds from Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act encompassed modernization projects at airports nationwide.
    — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • That encompassed two wins in Boston, a sweep of the Giants sandwiched between two sweeps of the Orioles and the first two games in Milwaukee.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Definition of encompass
Verb
  • Don’t miss the Barnes & Noble, which is cleverly housed in an old theater, Ante Bellums Attic Antique Shop, and Firefly Boutique for women’s clothing.
    — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 26 May 2025
  • Since 1998, the collection has grown to over 100,000 letters, which is now housed at Chapman University.
    — Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of house
Verb
  • Each block is meant to accommodate a building with ground-floor storefronts topped by either residential units or office space and each with its own parking structure.
    — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
  • The traditional nine-to-five is giving way to more fluid arrangements that accommodate life’s natural ebbs and flows, from parenting responsibilities to personal wellbeing.
    — John Spencer-Taylor, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of accommodate

Phrases Containing case

Browse Nearby Words

cascading
case
casebook
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Cite this Entry

“Case.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/case. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on case

Nglish: Translation of case for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about case

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