1
as in to define
to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly
the document specifies precisely how you may use the information it contains
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to mention
to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically
police reports didn't specify the model of car the robbers were driving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of specify
The show did not specify which contestants had received online hate, but many fans speculated in the comments section the show was referring to contestant Huda Mustafa, whose contentious early relationship with Jeremiah Brown was a source of drama on the show.
—
Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Neither the accrediting agency nor the university specified which specific financial issues led to the probation.
—Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025
Other recall notices did not specify how many states were affected.
—Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025
Without specifying any figures, Sinclair says its ratings for women’s tennis have grown since 2023, especially among the coveted 18-to-34-year-old demographic.
—Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for specify
Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Neither the accrediting agency nor the university specified which specific financial issues led to the probation.
—Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025
Other recall notices did not specify how many states were affected.
—Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025
Without specifying any figures, Sinclair says its ratings for women’s tennis have grown since 2023, especially among the coveted 18-to-34-year-old demographic.
—Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for specify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specify
Verb
-
To define these guardrails, organizations should: • Implement reinforcement learning techniques with human feedback to continuously review and reward the LLMs for good behavior.—
Rakshana Balakrishnan,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
-
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defined a heat wave as a period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and usually humid weather that lasts at least two days.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
It is mentioned that the EU Commission will work with an expert group on nature credits to mobilize expertise, share best practices, and provide input.—
Simi Thambi,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
At least three juvenile suspects are mentioned in the report, including Valle, who is suspected of having a knife.—
Audrey Conklin , Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
People who have high-risk multiple myeloma may be prescribed a combination of bortezomib and lenalidomide.3 After initial treatment, regular follow-up to monitor your blood, bones, and overall health is typically advised.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
14 July 2025
-
In some cases, providers may prescribe medications to stimulate the patient’s appetite or even provide a temporary feeding tube to ensure proper nutrition.—
Vanessa Etienne,
People.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Marquez did not release the man’s name, citing the need to first notify his family of his death.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
Paul cited the results of several investigations, including the one conducted by his committee, which found that the gunman was seen more than 90 minutes before the shooting and operated a drone, undetected, hours earlier.—
Emily Mae Czachor
July 13,
CBS News,
13 July 2025
Verb
-
Sports fans may notice a difference in the race calls this season as longtime announcer Trevor Denman announced his retirement in March.—
Kelley Carlson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 July 2025
-
Residents in the area may continue to notice a gas-like odor.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
4 July 2025
Verb
-
Look for the first hints of color change to indicate a tomato is ready to harvest.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
-
All signs indicate that the theme of this summer is staying in, and the wine bar trend taking over TikTok right now confirms it.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 July 2025
Verb
-
Bank of America analysts noted that the banking sector has been a major support to European earnings in recent quarters, which could make its performance this year even more noteworthy.—
Matt Ward-Perkins,
CNBC,
14 July 2025
-
But as Guthrie noted of the coverage, only the members of the crew were identified.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Unexpectedly, he's been taking it upon himself to continue quoting verses, stepping into the role of a preacher.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
-
The content and opinions expressed are solely those of the entities mentioned and/or quoted in this article and do not represent those of the publication.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specify. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share