specify

verb

spec·​i·​fy ˈspe-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce specify (audio)
specified; specifying
Synonyms of specifynext

transitive verb

1
: to name or state explicitly or in detail
2
: to include as an item in a specification
specifiable adjective
specifier noun

Examples of specify in a Sentence

Can you specify the cause of the argument? Specify the color and quantity when you order. He clearly specified California wine. The instructions do not specify what kind of screws to use. All subscriptions are for one year unless otherwise specified. At the specified time, we rang the bell. She agreed to the terms specified in the contract.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The United States would have 60 days to fulfill their obligations specified in the agreement, Aragchi said. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 June 2026 Police also said that the man and woman knew each other, but have not specified their relationship, nor any possible link to the Kaiser complex. Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 12 June 2026 Fidelity, for instance, specifies that if a trader sells their allocation within the first 15 calendar days from the debut, their ability to participate in future public offerings will be impacted. Sean Conlon,yun Li, CNBC, 12 June 2026 The aid agreement between Lee’s Summit, Kansas City and both police departments does not specify how many officers will be on loan to KCPD. Ilana Arougheti june 12, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for specify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English specifien, from Anglo-French specifier, from Late Latin specificare, from specificus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specify was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specify. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

specify

verb
spec·​i·​fy ˈspes-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce specify (audio)
specified; specifying
1
: to name or mention exactly and clearly
specify the cause
2
: to include in a specification
specify oak flooring

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