sample 1 of 2

noun

ˈsam-pəl How to pronounce sample (audio)
Definition of samplenext
1
as in sampling
a number of things selected from a group to stand for the whole based on a sample of the menu items, we decided that this was the best restaurant in town

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this vase is a sample of the high-quality glassware that the glassblowers can produce

Synonyms & Similar Words

sample

2 of 2

verb

as in to test
to put (something) to a test sampled the soup to see if it tasted good

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sample distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sample are case, example, illustration, instance, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," 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 is case a more appropriate choice than sample?

While in some cases nearly identical to sample, 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 can example be used instead of sample?

The meanings of example and sample largely overlap; however, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When could illustration be used to replace sample?

Although the words illustration and sample have much in common, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When might instance be a better fit than sample?

In some situations, the words instance and sample are roughly equivalent. However, 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 specimen take the place of sample?

The synonyms specimen and sample 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 sample
Noun
Each woman was asked to bring samples of their favorite doodads for the rest of us to try. —arkansasonline.com, 10 July 2025 Just a week ago, the Chicago Sky’s power forward was named an All-Star reserve and reigning WNBA Player of the Week following a three-game sample size that featured her averaging 19.7 points, 17.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.7 blocks. —Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
From 2011 to 2015 researchers from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) returned and sampled water from 106 sites and soil from 11 sites in that vicinity. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 4 July 2025 Spada is sampling the air near Simi Valley Landfill in hopes of identifying the levels of dust pollution from the site. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sample
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sample
  1. sampling
  2. example
  3. test
  4. specimen
Noun
  • Yeah, her interior voice is like an endless sampling of everything around her.
    — Jane Ciabattari July 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
  • The problem was discovered during routine sampling conducted by the company, which showed the presence of the bacteria in the finished product.
    — Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Definition of sampling
Noun
  • The Tommy Bahama, for example, is loaded with useful features—without adding bulk.
    — Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Media personality Bo Dietl, for example, is teaming up with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to raise $10 million through an outside group to challenge Mamdani, the Wall Street Journal reported.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025
Definition of example
Verb
  • For their study, the researchers tested two groups of rats with intermediate injuries to the spinal cord that resulted in almost no function of their hind limbs.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 6 July 2025
  • Then the team tested the bond during real memory formation by giving mice a drug to disrupt the formation of these complexes.
    — Ajdina Halilovic, Wired News, 6 July 2025
Definition of test
Noun
  • The warning required immediate action by Orange County Global, which contracted with a vendor that same day to process the untested specimens.
    — Scott Schwebke, Oc Register, 12 July 2025
  • The collection of specimens is kept at the Beckman Center for Conservation Research near the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
    — Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025
Definition of specimen

Browse Nearby Words

sampans
sample
sampled
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Cite this Entry

“Sample.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sample. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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