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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
California’s system in particular could not handle the demand, developing a backlog with over 1.2 million claims. Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 Civil disobedience has a long history, but these protests were often directed at a particular group of students. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
Whether the particulars of the executive order will become permanent remains to be seen. Rob Nikolewski, The Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2025 In addition to its obvious visual appeal, the lamp’s technical particulars could be readily tailored to the needs of 21st-century sourcing and production. Ian Volner, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for particular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for particular
Adjective
  • Ice is not nice The ice at American Airlines Center was a huge problem in Game 2, with players on both teams falling down left and right.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
  • It’s made of a tarp-like material that feels pretty durable and the lid zippers, which is nice to contain smells.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This is especially true for those of you willing to get more vulnerable in the love and personal relationships department.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
  • With persistence and technical grit, Kairys began producing illustrations that were not only accurate and expressive but deeply personal.
    Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The model mirrors what high-end admissions consultants offer for top-tier universities but applies it to one of the most selective industries in the world.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The most selective institutions sometimes take a more cautious approach to deferrals, particularly when managing precise class sizes or specialized programs.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The teen, who hails from the English city of Chelmsford, underwent more detailed scans at his follow-up appointment, when doctors discovered a large tumor in his brain — a diffuse glioma, stage 4.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Creating Strategy Without Meaning Many leaders mistake detailed strategic plans for true vision.
    Nirmal Chhabria, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In honor of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, the restaurant is offering a BOGO meal deal on entree items to jersey-wearing customers who dine-in through the end of the business day.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Plastic bottles, aluminum cans and wooden pallets are among the items banned from landfills in the state.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, the situation is so dire that the White House should invoke the Defense Production Act to develop new and more powerful energetics, expand munitions production, and create strategic reserves of both.
    MICHAEL BROWN, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In fact, the past few years have seen a particular rise in the drag king scene on the island.
    James Factora, Them., 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Be careful not to let in too much moisture to avoid any mildew or mold developing on your mattress.
    Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Yet Schlossberg is careful to note that May did not shadow-direct the movie during production.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Whatever the vocabulary, this new breed of firm used subjective concepts to drive their business processes.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • At its roots, the Ballon d’Or is a subjective award.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Particular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/particular. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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