Nine acts, for example (8)

I believe the answer is:

instance

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'example' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'nine acts' is the wordplay.
'nine acts' anagrams to 'INSTANCE'.
However, I am not sure how the anagram is indicated.

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for instance that I've seen before include "Particular example" , "Exemplify" , "An insect (anag.)" , "Particular case; cite" , "A case or example of something" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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