specialized

adjective

spe·​cial·​ized ˈspe-shə-ˌlīzd 

1

: characterized by or exhibiting biological specialization

especially : highly differentiated especially in a particular direction or for a particular end

2

: designed, trained, or fitted for one particular purpose or occupation

specialized personnel

Synonyms of specialized

• special
• limited
• technical
• restricted
• specific

Examples of specialized in a Sentence

specialized regions of the brain

specialized gear for deep-sea fishing

Recent Examples on the Web

While basic foster care in a family home costs the state roughly $9,000 to $12,500 per year, specialized care for children with behavioral or medical needs can reach approximately $76,000 annually. —CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

The Montana opening not only represents the brand’s debut in the American market, but into the outdoor adventure space as well—which requires a very specialized type of hospitality expertise. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Jan. 2026

To assist in the rescue, the California Highway Patrol deployed a helicopter equipped with skids, specialized landing gear designed for rough terrain. —Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026

Over the next 11 months, a highly specialized team from the Maxillofacial Laboratory at Morriston Hospital worked with Marshallsay on her prosthetics. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for specialized

• acclimatized
• actualized
• aerosolized
• alphabetized
• aluminized
• anaesthetized
• anesthetized
• annualized
• antagonized
• apologised
• apologized
• capitalised

Kids Definition

specialized

adjective

1

: characterized by or exhibiting biological specialization

2

: designed, trained, or fitted for one particular purpose or occupation