1
as in special
of a particular or exact sort
we need a specific type of pen to sign the diplomas
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explicit
so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning
specific instructions regarding the interrogation of prisoners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in fact
a single piece of information
although the speech was long on rhetoric and platitudinous generalities, it lacked specifics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in characteristic
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
the two submissions differ only in certain specifics
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in drug
a substance or preparation used to treat disease
quinine is a specific for malaria
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of specific
Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Today, shelves are stocked with cans of wine in a range of styles from sparkling to rosé to orange wines, often listing grape varietals and specific appellations.
—Kate Bernot, Outside, 30 Mar. 2026
Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
This is the same for emergency departments that seek to be accredited as Geriatric Emergency Departments — criteria include screening for dementia with few specifics about managing it beyond recommendations that apply to geriatric care more broadly.
—Gabriela Khazanov, STAT, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for specific
Adjective
Tickets will be available by category at first with specific seats being assigned closer to the event.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Today, shelves are stocked with cans of wine in a range of styles from sparkling to rosé to orange wines, often listing grape varietals and specific appellations.
—Kate Bernot, Outside, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
Proposed in December, a draft of the ordinance was written by City Attorney Christopher Beck for review Wednesday night but several council members wanted more specifics on the provisions included.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
This is the same for emergency departments that seek to be accredited as Geriatric Emergency Departments — criteria include screening for dementia with few specifics about managing it beyond recommendations that apply to geriatric care more broadly.
—Gabriela Khazanov, STAT, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
-
During a special legislative session, the governor was authorized to consolidate neighboring municipalities whose combined population reached at least 15,000, creating a first-class city.—
Elijah Winkler,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The day is observed with mourning, reflection and special church services.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The law gives immigration judges significant discretion to suspend public access to court proceedings — they are required to close hearings in matters involving spousal abuse and minor children, for example, unless there’s explicit direction from the affected people to do otherwise.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The United States and Israel have pursued a high-stakes geopolitical objective in Iran with the explicit aim of reshaping regional power balances, but the unintended consequence may be an equally profound reshaping of financial market regimes.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In fact, the rookie catcher has made an impressive splash through the first six games of her career, which includes the Storm’s annual five-game spring break trip to Tennessee.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The fact that none of us got to see it, adds to the majesty and allure of the yeti, right?—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The interface of the desktop website version includes key mission milestones and characteristics about the moon, including information about landing sites during the Apollo era.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Hegseth exhibits those characteristics, and our soldiers finally have someone to follow.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The planned execution of Thomas Creech in 2024 could not be carried out because a suitable vein could not be found to administer lethal drugs.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Police have arrested a man in connection with a fatal drug overdose in Fairfield in December.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Courts, attorneys and institutions need clinicians who can translate behavioral health histories into something more precise than a diagnosis and more useful than a stereotype.—
Sonia Singh,
Rolling Stone,
2 Apr. 2026
-
For the Orion module, this push is a lot more precise and requires propulsion from the module's main engine to send the astronauts on their way to the far side of the moon.—
Briana Alvarado,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There is a definite buzz of excitement at the press site here at the Kennedy Space Center.—
Charlie Gile,
NBC news,
1 Apr. 2026
-
So far, there isn’t definite evidence of a multiverse based on string theory.—
Zachary Slepian,
The Conversation,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Over the next two months, her family received just two phone calls from her and few details about her circumstances.—
Cora Engelbrecht,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Some were draped in ivy, others adorned with pink blossoms, but none are forgotten by nature’s touch—each brought to life by the intricate details that transport you into a postcard of the Italian countryside.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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