1
as in special
of a particular or exact sort
we need a specific type of pen to sign the diplomas
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explicit
so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning
specific instructions regarding the interrogation of prisoners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in fact
a single piece of information
although the speech was long on rhetoric and platitudinous generalities, it lacked specifics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in characteristic
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
the two submissions differ only in certain specifics
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in drug
a substance or preparation used to treat disease
quinine is a specific for malaria
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of specific
Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 10 Sep. 2025
Nearly a year later, the star's family said Willis had a more specific diagnosis of FTD.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
My mother-in-law has briefed me on the situation many times, but the specifics still make my head swim.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specific
Adjective
The Hobbs Act is commonly used by federal prosecutors to increase the penalties of a specific type of crime.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 10 Sep. 2025
Nearly a year later, the star's family said Willis had a more specific diagnosis of FTD.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
Further specifics as to the story here are under wraps.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
My mother-in-law has briefed me on the situation many times, but the specifics still make my head swim.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
-
Townshend recalled performing in Chicago at a small club turned roller rink called the Kinetic Playground, 1969 performances with a particularly special opening act.—
Jim Ryan,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Xp Lee won a special election in Minnesota on Tuesday to replace Melissa Hortman, the former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, who was assassinated in June.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In recent incidents, Google's Gemini CLI destroyed user files while attempting to reorganize them, and Replit's AI coding service deleted a production database despite explicit instructions not to modify code.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The supplemental essay prompts released for 2025–26 make this explicit.—
Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In the lion’s den, no less, at left leaning venues, hoping facts and common sense would prevail.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
-
His team accused Whatley of distorting the facts to cover for his support of federal policies that reduced funding for local police.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
These characteristics make the merger an almost exact replica of that first, groundbreaking detection from 10 years ago, according to Isi.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Our panel said the leading characteristic of this fish is its robust, punchy flavor and emphasized the anchovies should have a balance of salt and umami.—
Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Petro has scaled back efforts to target drug supply, instead trying to solve the issue through social programs.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The researchers tested their two-part drug on mice and zebrafish engineered to produce β-glucuronidase, and found that the drug was activated almost exclusively in tumors, sparing healthy tissue and organs.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
According to the research team leader, Lin Xianfeng, an associate chief orthopedic surgeon at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital affiliated with the renowned Zhejiang University, the adhesive can achieve precise fixation within two to three minutes, even in a blood-rich environment.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Whatever, Dever quickly recanted her earlier precise testimony to the FBI about the sinister doings by those two dodgy cops behind Karen Read’s SUV.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
While the San Francisco 49ers started off their 2025 NFL schedule with a 17-13 road win over the Seattle Seahawks, there are definite reasons for their fans to be concerned.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
-
That’s been valuable, but even then, there’s no definite timeline for how long this lasts.—
Melissa Showers,
Flow Space,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Murphy said lawmakers have already been upping their security details in the wake of several acts of political violence across the country this year, such as the assassination of two Democratic state legislators in Minnesota this summer.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
-
When asked by a reporter for more details about how Trump planned to ban mail-in ballots, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the administration planned to work with Republicans on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures.—
Hailey Bullis,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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