example

instance, case, illustration, example, sample, specimen mean something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category.

instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with.

illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities.

specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation.

model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.