Looking for different ways to say “for example”? Whether you’re writing an essay, email, or giving a talk, repeating the same phrase can make your words feel dull. That’s why it helps to learn many alternatives to “for example”—some are formal, others more casual, but all help improve your writing flow.
In this post, you’ll find 120 useful synonyms for “for example”, organized by tone, style, and use. You’ll also get writing tips, clear example sentences, and tables to help you choose the right one. Let’s get started.
Absolutely! Below is the complete list of 120 different ways to say “for example”, organized clearly under relevant headings just like in the blog post. This section is perfect for your readers to scan, save, and use in their writing and speaking.
One-Word Alternatives to “For Example”
These single words work well in formal and academic settings.
| Word |
| namely |
| particularly |
| especially |
| notably |
| chiefly |
| markedly |
| expressly |
| explicitly |
| specifically |
| mainly |
Two-Word Substitutes for “For Example”
Simple phrases often used in business and academic writing.
| Phrase |
| for instance |
| such as |
| to illustrate |
| as in |
| like that |
| like when |
| say this |
| e.g. is |
| imagine this |
| like saying |
Longer Phrases to Use Instead of “For Example”
These are longer, more explanatory expressions ideal for storytelling and teaching.
| Phrase |
| take this case |
| here’s a case in point |
| let’s say |
| to demonstrate the point |
| as shown by this case |
| this is illustrated by |
| as can be seen in |
| to give an illustration |
| one illustration of this is |
| to help clarify |
Conversational or Casual Alternatives
Used in informal speech, blogs, social media, and friendly writing.
| Phrase |
| like |
| say |
| think of |
| picture this |
| for starters |
| one time |
| here’s what happened |
| a good one is |
| just imagine |
| guess what |
Professional and Business Alternatives
Perfect for emails, reports, meetings, or pitches.
| Phrase |
| case in point |
| demonstrated by |
| supported by this example |
| seen in this case |
| evident in |
| as evidenced by |
| one key example is |
| let’s consider |
| a relevant case is |
| for business purposes |
Academic and Essay-Friendly Substitutes
Used to sound polished and formal in educational writing.
| Phrase |
| as demonstrated by |
| as illustrated in |
| as mentioned earlier |
| as noted in the following |
| consider the following case |
| to cite a case |
| for clarity, consider |
| this shows that |
| this can be seen when |
| highlighted in this study |
Creative and Figurative Options
Useful for storytelling, blogs, and metaphorical writing.
| Phrase |
| to paint a picture |
| a glimpse into |
| like a snapshot |
| visualizing this |
| to put this in perspective |
| let’s dive into |
| here’s how it looks |
| think about it like this |
| put yourself in this place |
| frame it like this |
Common Usage Variants Across Contexts
Helpful in writing across multiple tones and platforms.
| Phrase |
| one example is |
| as an illustration |
| in particular |
| one such case |
| among these are |
| namely, this |
| these include |
| found in cases like |
| this pattern includes |
| instances include |
Simple and Beginner-Friendly Alternatives
Great for learners or when you want plain English.
| Phrase |
| this includes |
| here is an example |
| here’s how |
| to show you |
| let’s look at this |
| like in this story |
| you can see this in |
| for one |
| a good example is |
| think about this |
Technical or Industry-Specific Substitutes
Often used in professional fields like science, tech, medicine.
| Phrase |
| illustrated in this case |
| exemplified by |
| represented by |
| documented in |
| detailed in the report |
| seen in the data |
| shown in this sample |
| verified in |
| explained in |
| demonstrated in practice |
Synonym Phrases Emphasizing Contrast
Used when examples show contrast or exceptions.
| Phrase |
| unlike this, for example |
| contrary to that |
| differing from this |
| rather than |
| but instead |
| compared to this case |
| seen differently in |
| as opposed to |
| opposed to that |
| not like this |
Story-Based Substitutes for “For Example”
These sound more like narratives or storytelling.
| Phrase |
| imagine this situation |
| a story about this |
| one time this happened |
| let me tell you |
| consider this tale |
| think of this moment |
| once upon a time |
| that reminds me |
| have you heard of |
| a situation came up |
Phrases From Public Speaking and Teaching
Ideal for lectures, workshops, and live speaking.
| Phrase |
| here’s what I mean |
| picture this in real life |
| to help you understand |
| to give you an idea |
| here’s a quick story |
| think of it this way |
| when this happens |
| what this looks like |
| consider this scenario |
| let me explain like this |
FAQs About Synonyms for “For Example”
Can I use “like” instead of “for example”?
Yes, but it’s better for informal use like speaking or casual writing.
What’s the most formal way to say “for example”?
Use for instance, e.g., or to illustrate in academic or business writing.
Is “such as” the same as “for example”?
Not always. Such as shows a part of a group, while for example illustrates an idea.
Final Thoughts
Using alternatives to “for example” helps you write better, speak clearly, and keep your audience interested. From academic tone to casual alternatives, choosing the right phrase adds polish to your work.
Next time you’re stuck repeating the same words, come back to this list. It’s your go-to guide for finding smart, strong, and useful synonyms for “for example”.
