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Definition of individualnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective individual differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of individual are especial, particular, special, and specific. While all these words mean "of or relating to one thing or class," individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group.

valued each individual opinion

Where would especial be a reasonable alternative to individual?

The words especial and individual can be used in similar contexts, but especial may add implications of preeminence or preference.

a matter of especial importance

When would particular be a good substitute for individual?

The words particular and individual are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual.

a ballet step of particular difficulty

When is special a more appropriate choice than individual?

The synonyms special and individual are sometimes interchangeable, but special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own.

special ingredients

When could specific be used to replace individual?

While in some cases nearly identical to individual, specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species.

children with specific nutritional needs

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 individual
Noun
Six other individuals were charged with offenses related to the carjacking and kidnapping. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026 The agency of impact is transferring from the institution to the individual. Diane Brady, Fortune, 2 June 2026
Adjective
At the time, Sliwa had lost the race, but did capture around 28% of the vote, totaling over 310,000 individual ballots in his favor. Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 1 June 2026 In recent years, NYPR has faced steep financial challenges amid a drop in philanthropic and individual donations. Max Tani, semafor.com, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for individual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for individual
Noun
  • State health departments will continue to conduct daily symptom monitoring, as well as 24/7 continuous oversight of each person, and provide guidance through the remainder of the 42-day monitoring period, which will end June 21.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
  • It is made for an on-the-go business person or visitor who wants to maximize their time in the Bay Area.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • While Liden’s displacement and depersonalization of private property in Unheimlich Manöver could be perceived as the inversion of Darboven’s cocooning, the artists share a preoccupation with the silent speech of objects and with language as a spatial entity.
    Erika Landström, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • Like OpenAI, Anthropic pairs a controlling mission entity (the Long-Term Benefit Trust) with a public benefit corporation.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • At the same time, residents across minoritized groups described disciplinary processes that were often subjective, inconsistently applied, and lacking transparent criteria or due process.
    Vanessa Grubbs, STAT, 1 June 2026
  • The hidden math of abstract art Taste in art is highly subjective, and understanding why some works resonate with the public more than others has long fascinated researchers.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the Executive and Premier One-Bedroom Suites, a separate living room adds a place for gathering or relaxing while someone else is asleep.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • In 2024 and 2025, four hearing officers in the appeals unit filed complaints against the department, leading to three internal investigations by human resources, according to a separate, outside probe conducted by Flynn Investigations Group, a firm specializing in workplace reviews.
    Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • The subservient tone was characteristic of Epstein’s Norwegian network.
    Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026
  • In some of these star-forming regions, gas is organized into characteristic hub-and-spoke patterns known as Hub-Filament Systems (HFS).
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • The scene was genuinely awful to watch, but the movie—a story of plague, passion, period costumes, and an unwashed man in a tunic skipping town to cure writer’s block—ended up thrilling us; the portrayal of two creative minds working together (and apart) was, oddly, familiar.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
  • Images from a Ring security camera show a man, whom the restraining order request identifies as Applegate, at Carpenter’s front door and being confronted by a security guard with a flashlight.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Look away from the lunar face or find an object to shield it from view.
    Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 5 June 2026
  • Suddenly, orderlies are telling her to forfeit her sharp objects.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2026
Adjective
  • Starry is propelled by my real and personal anger that these women’s contributions to the genre have been minimized or elided altogether.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Fans also noticed that the show didn’t tag any of its contestants’ Instagram handles in this year’s announcement and that comments are already restricted on the Islanders’ personal pages, leading to speculation that the show has put new social media safeguards in place to alleviate harassment.
    Angela Yang, NBC news, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Individual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/individual. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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