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specialized

adjective spe·cial·ized \ ˈspe-shə-ˌlīzd \
|Updated on: 7 Aug 2018

Definition of specialized

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

See specialized defined for English-language learners

See specialized defined for kids

Examples of specialized in a Sentence

  1. specialized regions of the brain

  2. specialized gear for deep-sea fishing

Recent Examples of specialized from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'specialized.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of specialized

1852

in the meaning defined at sense 2

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specialized Synonyms

Synonyms

technical;

Antonyms

general, nontechnical, untechnical;

Near Antonyms

common, generalized, generic, nonexclusive, nonspecific, ordinary, overall, universal;

inexpert, lay, nonprofessional, unprofessional;

self-evident, self-explanatory, straightforward;

Related Words

esoteric, limited, narrow, peculiar, restricted, special, specific, unique;

authoritative, expert, professional, specialist (or specialistic);

SPECIALIZED Defined for English Language Learners

specialized

adjective

Definition of specialized for English Language Learners

  • : made or used for one particular purpose, job, place, etc.

Learn More about specialized

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for specialized Nglish: Translation of specialized for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of specialized for Arabic speakers

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