spec·i·fy
ˈspe-sə-ˌfī 
specified; specifying
1
: to name or state explicitly or in detail
2
: to include as an item in a specification
spec·i·fi·er
ˈspesəˌfī(ə)r
-īə
plural -s
: one that specifies (as by giving details or particulars)
especially
: a person who draws up specifications (as for obtaining a patent)
Examples of specify in a Sentence
Verb
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
Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
France’s rule barring under-15s from social media, for instance, doesn’t specify who is actually obligated to enforce it, since naming platforms as the responsible party would trigger a direct conflict with EU law.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2026
Police advise residents to specify if a complaint involves a short-term rental when calling 911, as those cases are handled differently.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Glassman did not specify the report the tool generated.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for specify
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Verb
The park hasn’t specified when the ride will close for refurbishment and reopen.
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
France’s rule barring under-15s from social media, for instance, doesn’t specify who is actually obligated to enforce it, since naming platforms as the responsible party would trigger a direct conflict with EU law.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2026
Police advise residents to specify if a complaint involves a short-term rental when calling 911, as those cases are handled differently.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Glassman did not specify the report the tool generated.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for specify
Cite this Entry
“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specify. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
specify
verb
spec·i·fy
ˈspes-ə-ˌfī
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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