specimen

noun

ˈspes-mən How to pronounce specimen (audio)
Definition of specimennext
1
as in person
a member of the human race he's a particularly handsome specimen

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like chose one frog as a good specimen of the breed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word specimen distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of specimen are case, example, illustration, instance, and sample. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

When could case be used to replace specimen?

While in some cases nearly identical to specimen, 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 specimen?

The words example and specimen can be used in similar contexts, but example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

In what contexts can illustration take the place of specimen?

In some situations, the words illustration and specimen are roughly equivalent. However, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When can instance be used instead of specimen?

The meanings of instance and specimen largely overlap; however, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

Where would sample be a reasonable alternative to specimen?

Although the words sample and specimen have much in common, 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

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 specimen Review gardening books, consult with nurserymen and maybe visit an arboretum to view mature specimens. —Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025 Both new darter fish are relatively small, with the largest specimens measuring just over 2 inches long. —Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025 The architecture of the retina remained completely intact across multiple specimens. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 These European footprints are not as old as the ones from Australia, but are still older than previous specimens. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for specimen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specimen
  1. person
  2. example
  3. man
  4. sample
  5. guy
  6. life
  7. creature
  8. individual
Noun
  • The fungal disease does not spread from person to person, according to the CDC.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Before Johnson and Eakins exchanged vows, Houser passed their wedding rings along the front row and asked that each person hold the rings and pray or give their blessings over them before passing them down to the next person in what's known as ring warming.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 22 May 2025
Definition of person
Noun
  • For example, the Georgia Aquarium has live feeds to some of its exhibits.
    — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • For example, yields on two-year German Bunds jumped by twenty basis points before subsiding.
    — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Definition of example
Noun
  • As Rusby talks of finding god and becoming a better man, Kev screws a silencer onto his pistol.
    — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 26 May 2025
  • But even worse is to see the dark lessons of history, the dangerous choices of weaker men, and follow in those footsteps.
    — Val Demings, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025
Definition of man
Noun
  • The sample menu starts at 250 pounds a person with a taste of an oyster vichyssoise that uses imperial gold caviar, buttermilk and dill; scallops from the Isle of Skye with pumpkin, nori, and pine créme, and a Cornish turbot made with morteau sausage, thyme, black garlic and yellow wine.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
  • Soil samples suggest the stones were placed there around 400 years ago, which aligns with the timing of Rutherford’s letter.
    — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
Definition of sample
Noun
  • And on the West Coast, our country-star cover guy charmed on the L.A. set.
    — Charlotte Triggs, People.com, 21 May 2025
  • Regardless of what anybody tells you, when an offense is struggling, guys feel it.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2025
Definition of guy
Noun
  • That and other complications in Jenna’s life were adapted from the late Adrienne Shelley’s film script by Jessie Nelson, who wrote the book for the 2015 musical.
    — David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
  • Adidas Originals And Wales Bonner Launch Their Newest Collection adidas Originals and Wales Bonner reunite to unveil their Spring/Summer 2025 collection, drawing inspiration from the intersection of city life and coastal calm.
    — Essence, Essence, 30 May 2025
Definition of life
Noun
  • The vulpine creature was first described by Charles Darwin in 1834 on Chile’s Chiloé Island.
    — Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
  • Stone Age hunter-gatherers may have been particularly interested in sperm whale skeletons, because the creatures are the only toothed species of the group, featuring long, straight jaw bones—perfect for crafting hunting tools, the researchers write in the paper.
    — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 May 2025
Definition of creature
Noun
  • Lawmakers of both parties have expressed intense anger over the hospital funding cut, saying that individuals with mental health issues are languishing in emergency rooms and jail cells due to a shortage of psychiatric hospital beds.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025
  • The parts were all taken from the cadavers of individuals who had donated their body to Harvard upon their death, according to federal prosecutors.
    — Chris Spargo, People.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of individual

Browse Nearby Words

specifying
specimen
specimens
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specimen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specimen. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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