example vs microcosm

example and microcosm both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
example	Yes	No	No	No
microcosm	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, microcosm is a hyponym of example; that is, microcosm is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than example:

example (noun)	microcosm (noun)
a task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding	a miniature model of something
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
something to be imitated
a representative form or pattern
punishment intended as a warning to others
an occurrence of something