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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
Ninidze also noticed that women, in particular, were drawn to smaller niche projects and to organic and natural wine. Jessica Jungbauer, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2025 While sisal rugs are typically suitable outdoors, this particular one is recommended for indoor use only. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
Details on the particulars of the city’s agreement with the two men were scarce on Monday night. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 23 Sep. 2025 One finishes those books unclear on the particulars but certain that this whole wild world was built to teach us something, which is pretty much the human condition. Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for particular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for particular
Adjective
  • Located in historic downtown Gainesville, the Victorian complex is a nice breather before and after the intensity of game day in Gainesville, and the drive to the stadium is less than 10 minutes.
    Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Napheesa will probably sit this one out, but Bryce still has time to send his commish a nice greeting card.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • We, in collaboration with our partners, store and/or access information on a user's device, including but not limited to IP addresses, unique identifiers, and browsing data stored in cookies, in order to process personal data.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Shop Apple AirTags, personal safety alarms, anti-theft bags, and more essentials while they’re marked down up to 56 percent off.
    Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Both parties increasingly weaponize selective statistics, exaggerated claims, or misleading framings to advance their own political ends.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Others are highly selective public universities, such as the University of Michigan and the University of Virginia.
    jsonline.com, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While other accounts had described Desai’s role, Doshi’s research painted a far more detailed picture.
    Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The Tennessean requested additional records to learn how many of those students are enrolled at each school, along with more detailed demographic information on the students.
    Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The latest reading reveals that inflation has caught up with many items with the overall index climbing nearly 11% over the past two and a half years.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Improper display/storage of single service items.
    Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Producers who ship nursery stock out of regulated areas to non-regulated areas must have their stock inspected, and each load must be accompanied by a certificate that attests to the fact that their product is free from the box tree moth.
    Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The fact Nuno did not have the opportunity to work with his entire squad last summer — only two new additions had arrived in time to join the training camp in Portugal — played a role in the breakdown of his relationship with the Forest hierarchy.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • These treatments require careful and ongoing monitoring.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Success in combat is less subjective than success in many other activities and therefore leaves less room for favoritism, rent seeking, and old-fashioned sandbagging.
    Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Of course, there is no definitive answer to the question of which royal princess has more aura, which is itself a highly subjective concept.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Particular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/particular. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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