1
as in to define
to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly
the document specifies precisely how you may use the information it contains
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to mention
to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically
police reports didn't specify the model of car the robbers were driving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 specify
Martin did not specify which pardons were under review, but his remarks suggest the Trump administration could challenge or investigate the legality of some of Biden’s final clemency decisions before leaving office in January.
—
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025
That typically indicates a midseason launch but NBC has not specified when the series will premiere.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 May 2025
Part of the law specified several reforms at the NRC.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 9 May 2025
The agency said chapters of the report underwent peer review but did not specify who reviewed it.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for specify
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025
That typically indicates a midseason launch but NBC has not specified when the series will premiere.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 May 2025
Part of the law specified several reforms at the NRC.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 9 May 2025
The agency said chapters of the report underwent peer review but did not specify who reviewed it.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for specify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specify
Verb
-
Sentenced as a young adult to 60 years behind bars, Maurice’s story could have ended there, defined forever by one devastating moment.—
Elizabeth Hinton,
Hartford Courant,
20 May 2025
-
Around the world, access to finance remains a persistent form of inequality—defined not only by whether people can open bank accounts, but by whether they are treated fairly within the system.—
Christopher Marquis,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Verb
-
Cudi, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi, was previously mentioned in Cassie's November 2023 lawsuit against Combs.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
More than three years later, that backing from the club, as mentioned by Bielsa, has borne fruit.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
Even more voters, 77%, opposed schools being able to prescribe hormone blockers to children without parental consent.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
15 May 2025
-
If passed chronic pain where an opioid would otherwise be prescribed would be among the newly eligible medical conditions.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 May 2025
Verb
-
Two big footwear stocks The Wall Street Journal reports, citing people familiar, that Dick’s Sporting Goods is getting close to buying Foot Locker .—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
15 May 2025
-
The civil fraud investigation is looking into the company's practices for recording diagnoses that trigger extra payments to its Medicare Advantage plans, the WSJ said, citing people familiar with the matter.—
Jonathan Limehouse,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
Dempsey-Beggs’ boss noticed her nervousness and pulled her aside, asking what the alarm was.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
18 May 2025
-
He's also noticed that workers often shovel coal in bouts, working hard in teams of two or three, and then all taking breaks together.—
Jonathan Lambert,
NPR,
18 May 2025
Verb
-
Currently, there is no data indicating the containment progress of the fire and its cause has not yet been determined.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 2025
-
Discoveries indicate that coffee has significant antimicrobial properties that are effective against a range of bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens in agriculture.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
18 May 2025
Verb
-
For now, the following three attractions are excluded: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Mine-Cart Madness Dragon Racer’s Rally Guests should note that the free Express Passes included with stays at select Universal Orlando resorts may not be used at Epic Universe.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
-
The process of learning to sign creates pathways in the brain that help your child pick up any language more easily later in life, notes Fosca Shackleton White, director of the Montessori Academy of Chicago.—
Leslie Garisto Pfaff,
Parents,
15 May 2025
Verb
-
The Daily Mail also quoted McLaughlin, a Trump appointee under Noem as an assistant DHS secretary, as being totally supportive.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
Officials who run a half-dozen public media stations spoke to NPR News for this story on condition they not be quoted, citing the sensitivity of the moment.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specify. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share