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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective particular differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of particular are especial, individual, special, and specific. While all these words mean "of or relating to one thing or class," particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual.

a ballet step of particular difficulty

Where would especial be a reasonable alternative to particular?

While the synonyms especial and particular are close in meaning, especial may add implications of preeminence or preference.

a matter of especial importance

When is individual a more appropriate choice than particular?

The words individual and particular can be used in similar contexts, but individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group.

valued each individual opinion

When is it sensible to use special instead of particular?

Although the words special and particular have much in common, special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own.

special ingredients

When would specific be a good substitute for particular?

In some situations, the words specific and particular are roughly equivalent. However, 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 particular
Adjective
However, one show in particular sticks out to me. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025 Any user of modern-era generative AI can tell the AI to pretend to act in particular ways. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
Tassi writes that a sequel is already in the works, with Sony—which made the movie and sold it to Netflix—and Netflix already talking about the particulars. Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 Unlike information literacy lessons that soar above the particulars of any one discipline, our modules were closely tied to course content. Sam Wineburg, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for particular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for particular
Adjective
  • Giving Wickham a nice holiday tan would be a bridge too far for the genteel world of Jane Austen.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Some decisions are prudent, such as the Las Vegas Raiders to defeat the New England Patriots at a nice underdog price.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Celebrity contestants are taking the stage with personal anthem performances, launching a new season of competition and fan voting.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • As the Color of the Year phenomenon continues to drive kitchen design trends, with brands like KitchenAid announcing their own shade annually, consumers are increasingly reaching for colorful cookware as a way to express their personal style.
    Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This selective response is the key to reduced energy consumption and faster processing time.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Finally, selective colleges are asking applicants to articulate their sense of purpose.
    Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Users can search for specific properties of geologic units or click on the map for additional geologic information and links to more detailed maps of local areas.
    David Bressan, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • While history is ever present throughout, the Freedom Tower’s installations are created to appeal to 21st century visitors, many through interactive exhibitions, digital content and detailed re-creations.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Labubu blind boxes, which hide the exact content of the package until the customer opens it, sometimes revealing an especially rare item in a series, will be made available for purchase through the website's Pop Now feature.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The phrases were used across a range of merchandise like a Tiger Blood energy drink, a biographical comic book and other items, per the outlet.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In the lion’s den, no less, at left leaning venues, hoping facts and common sense would prevail.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • His team accused Whatley of distorting the facts to cover for his support of federal policies that reduced funding for local police.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But Eliasen is careful not to let scope creep derail initial implementations.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But what other, more-restrictive standard could Treasury use that doesn’t risk running afoul of the statutory guidance based on a bureaucrat’s subjective judgment?
    Ben Ritz, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • But a subjective review of IL assignments over the past five years suggests this wave of early-September injuries is more notable than in recent seasons.
    Chad Jennings, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Particular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/particular. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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