specific 1 of 2

specific

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective specific differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of specific are especial, individual, particular, and special. While all these words mean "of or relating to one thing or class," specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species.

children with specific nutritional needs

Where would especial be a reasonable alternative to specific?

The words especial and specific can be used in similar contexts, but especial may add implications of preeminence or preference.

a matter of especial importance

When can individual be used instead of specific?

While the synonyms individual and specific are close in meaning, individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group.

valued each individual opinion

When could particular be used to replace specific?

The synonyms particular and specific are sometimes interchangeable, but particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual.

a ballet step of particular difficulty

When is it sensible to use special instead of specific?

In some situations, the words special and specific are roughly equivalent. However, special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own.

special ingredients

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 specific
Adjective
Though, when looking at specific issues, that confidence drops further. Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2025 For the Los Angeles Chargers, Day 2 of the draft was about addressing needs, both on a broad level and a specific level. Daniel Popper, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
At present, specifics regarding the extent of land burned and the size of the crew conducting the prescribed fire are unavailable. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Many of the specifics of Mao’s thought were geared toward China’s own realities of peasant revolution and the search for a post-Qing political settlement. Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
  • Kansas coach Bill Self already has a special connection with UTEP transfer guard Ahamad Bynum.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Why the Chargers drafted him: When picking this far at the end of the draft, special teams tends to be the first fit, and Bridges is eager to apply his skills.
    Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Yes, there will be other shows — and, in fact, Star Wars is coming off its most successful year in producing TV shows with less explicit, fan-service-y connection to the movies, though The Acolyte was canceled and the future of Skeleton Crew remains in doubt.
    Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has been fined $50,000 by the NBA for an explicit verbal exchange with a Los Angeles Lakers fan during Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Authorities uncovered drugs, including pink cocaine, as well as evidence of prostitution and multiple firearms during the operation, according to the DEA.
    Danielle Wallace , Bonny Chu , Greg Wehner , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • These are powerful drugs — antipsychotics, sedatives, sleep aids — each carrying their own risks.
    Dr. Sabooh Mubbashar, Hartford Courant, 27 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 output is the most finely ground of any of these machines.
    Kat Merck, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Users still can't control the number of speakers, their demographic characteristics, accents, or conversation length.
    Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • In 2010, for example, literary scholar Julie Brown suggested that renowned American poet Emily Dickinson had characteristics – such as sensory issues, social quirkiness and a savant’s command of language – that align with those of some individuals on the autism spectrum.
    Bradley J. Irish, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • How To Translate Old-Fashioned Measurements Since measurements weren’t standardized, old-fashioned recipes often relied on household items instead of precise measuring tools.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025
  • But researchers also determined a precise mixture of extra ingredients to give their faux-calamari its familiar textural springiness.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But despite definite similarities between Bono and Peters’ vocal styles, the Alarm’s music was less anthemic and centered more around acoustic guitars.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Your ideal clients want someone who stands for something definite.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The remedy that will follow the decision could break up the company, or at least separate its Chrome web browser business from the rest of the portfolio.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In the first days of testimony in the remedy trial being heard at the D.C. federal court, Microsoft comes up frequently.
    Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 24 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on specific

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!