Instance — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈin(t)-stən(t)s/ in·stance

Meaning & Definition of Instance

Instance (noun)

  1. a step, stage, or situation viewed as part of a process or series of events
  2. the institution and prosecution of a lawsuit, suit
  3. an individual illustrative of a category or brought forward in support or disproof of a generalization

Instance (verb)

  1. to illustrate or demonstrate by an instance
  2. to mention as a case or example, cite

Instance (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like

    "this is just one instance of his repeated failure to do what he promised"

    similar: case, example, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, prototype, representative, sample, specimen, case in point
    related: archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm, cross section, microcosm, evidence, indication, manifestation, sign

Instance (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give as an example

    "instanced one particular incident as an illustration of their penchant for practical jokes"

    similar: adduce, cite, mention, quote
    related: exemplify, represent, advert (to), illustrate, name, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon), bear out, corroborate, document, substantiate, validate, reference, source

  2. to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically

    "instanced the latest astronomical research in her presentation on measuring star magnitude"

    similar: advert (to), cite, drop, mention, name, note, notice, quote, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon)
    related: allude (to), hint (at), imply, indicate, infer, intend, intimate, suggest, point (out), signal, signify, denominate, designate, bring up, broach, interject, interpolate, interpose, introduce, infiltrate, insinuate, worm, advertise, announce, broadcast, declare, proclaim, pronounce, publicize, publish, sound, clarify, clear (up), elucidate, explain, explicate, spell out
    near: disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, overpass, pass over, slight

  3. to show or make clear by using examples

    "instanced the hero's moral courage with several examples from the novel"

    similar: demonstrate, exemplify, illustrate
    related: adduce, cite, mention, quote, name, specify, analyze, break down, clarify, clear (up), explain, explicate, expound, edify, elucidate, enlighten, illuminate, construe, interpret, simplify, spell out, detail, enumerate, list
    near: becloud, blur, cloud, darken, fog, muddy, obscure, confuse, perplex, puzzle

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Instance

The most common words with a similar meaning to Instance:

case, example, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, prototype, representative, sample, specimen, case in point, adduce, cite, mention, quote, advert (to), drop, name, note, notice, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon), demonstrate, exemplify, illustrate

Related Words for Instance

archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm, cross section, microcosm, evidence, indication, manifestation, sign, represent, bear out, corroborate, document, substantiate, validate, reference, source, allude (to), hint (at), imply, indicate, infer, intend, intimate, suggest, point (out), signal, signify, denominate

Near Antonyms of Instance

disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, overpass, pass over, slight, becloud, blur, cloud, darken, fog, muddy, obscure, confuse, perplex, puzzle

Word Forms of Instance

Inflections: instanced, instancing

Origin & Etymology of Instance

Middle English instaunce, instance "insistence, urging, urgent entreaty, present time, case, example," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin instantia "fact of being present or impending, insistence, urgency" (Medieval Latin also "illustrative example, lawsuit, objection, exception"), noun derivative of instant-, instans "pressing, urgent" instant:2

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Instance

Words & Phrases Containing Instance

for instance, in the first instance, counterinstance

Frequently Asked Questions about Instance

What does "Instance" mean?

"Instance" means a step, stage, or situation viewed as part of a process or series of events. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a step, stage, or situation viewed as part of a process or series of events. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Instance"?

Other words for "Instance" include case, example, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, prototype, representative and sample. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Instance" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Instance"?

There are 92 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Instance". Common alternatives include case, example, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, prototype, representative, sample, specimen and case in point.

How do you use "Instance" in a sentence?

Examples of "Instance" in a sentence: "this is just one instance of his repeated failure to do what he promised"; "instanced one particular incident as an illustration of their penchant for practical jokes"; "instanced the latest astronomical research in her presentation on measuring star magnitude".

Is "Instance" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Instance" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Instance" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Instance" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Instance"?

"Instance" is pronounced /ˈin(t)-stən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as in·stance.

What is the origin of the word "Instance"?

"Instance" comes from Middle English instaunce, instance "insistence, urging, urgent entreaty, present time, case, example," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin instantia "fact of being present or impending, insistence, urgency" (Medieval Latin also "illustrative example, lawsuit, objection, exception"), noun derivative of instant-, instans "pressing, urgent" instant:2. First known use: 14th century.