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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
In particular, the buying process for the Bologna store makes for a unique case in Italian retail. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025 Royal correspondent Valentine Low’s new book shares insights about Queen Elizabeth‘s political allegiances, and one particular anecdote involves former President Barack Obama. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
The particulars of the Versant deal remain unleaked, although the league is now on course to book even more annual TV revenue than it was set to realize under the original 2024 pact. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025 Sløk did not dive into these particulars in Wednesday’s edition of his Daily Spark, except to address slowing job growth. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for particular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for particular
Adjective
  • With that in mind, his glowing comments on Jeter paid a nice tribute.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • In her opinion, a courthouse wedding or a small ceremony in a family member's backyard would have been just as nice, Kate said.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The alternative story of Helen’s Egyptian detour invites a more critical examination of the relationship between war and story by highlighting the degree to which humans have been conditioned by a narrative that presents war as the ultimate stage for personal and national glory.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • On a personal note, Variety even led me to the love of my life.
    William Earl, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Founded in 2019, the agency represents a selective roster of creators, including Julia Haller, Layna Sacino, Jonathan Akamba, Carla Cournot, Kobi Miles and Pierangelo Barone, among others.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Teachers were made aware of my condition, and the name elective mutism was ultimately changed to selective mutism.
    Erin Silvia, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The collection includes 3,100 black-and-white images taken in nearly 300 villages, towns, and cities around the country as well as the negatives and detailed data sheets describing construction techniques, materials, and historical context for each building.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Leafs coach Craig Berube did not provide a detailed update on Nylander’s possible injury.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This version is designed with multiple compartments underneath to keep remotes, books, and more items organized.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The slim pouches stash easily in personal items or even in toiletry bags.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The interaction was made even more awkward by the fact that Shannon was already standing right there with arms wide open in anticipation of a warm, cleansing embrace.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Throw in the fact that LSU doesn’t have a full-time president right now, as William Tate left for Rutgers in May, and coaching candidates may not get an answer to who exactly their boss is.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This careful tiptoeing is probably because the scissor artwork was never meant to be sold at a wider scale.
    Samantha Allen, Them., 24 Oct. 2025
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But other questions have more subjective answers, like who gets to decide whether the window shade is up or down mid-flight?
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Some may be more subjective and others more quantitative.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Particular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/particular. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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