specific 1 of 2

Definition of specificnext

specific

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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

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
When asked simple investment questions, the chatbot gave specific financial projections. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026 The reason, which became apparent in the 1990s, is that the center of this giant machine is filled with proteins that have no obvious or specific structure. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
The magnitude of the withdrawals shows this is an asset-class wide risk rather than firm-specific. Edward Harrison, Bloomberg, 4 Mar. 2026 The severe storm activity is forecast to resume Friday, but the specifics of the threat aren’t as certain yet. Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
  • Requiring no special pan, this festive cake is loved by both kids and adults.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
  • But some backpacks are better for travel than others, perhaps designed with isolated shoe compartments, holes to feed your phone charging cable through, jewelry pouches, and special materials that simply wipe clean after picking up germs from public floors.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Iran had been building that capacity in Iraq since the 1980s, cultivating Shia political networks, exile parties and militia groups during and after the Iran-Iraq War and beyond with the explicit goal of ensuring a post-Saddam Iraq would never again threaten Iranian security.
    Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
  • But Sista was the incubator for Missy’s frank, explicit approach to sexuality, and for her style of songwriting and production, informed by the moods of the 90s Black girl group—a mysterious sensuality that paired sublimely with the cool of an around-the-way homegirl.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Moreover, another sign of trouble is the fact that there are currently no states with an average gas price under $3 per gallon.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 11 Mar. 2026
  • In fact, Adebayo’s 83-point night is the second-highest scoring performance in NBA history.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • What would be lost in the red-white-and-blue tedium gives Venezuela an instantly identifiable characteristic.
    Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Many of the characteristics that made the stocks so attractive, like profit growth, remain intact.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Conditions at the facility deteriorated in its final year of operation, as chronic violence and the stockpiling of weapons and drugs threatened the safety of employees and inmates.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The operator of the e-scooter was arrested on suspicion of operating a bicycle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and DUI causing bodily injury, after officers conducted several field sobriety tests, police said.
    Jose Fabian, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The device could allow scientists to observe processes currently beyond the reach of powerful microscopes and help advance ultra-precise nuclear clocks.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
  • In two new studies, researchers examined data from the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite, which captured data about two billion stars to create the most precise 3D map of the Milky Way ever made.
    Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, Sony Honda Mobility doesn’t appear to have a definite answer to that question yet.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Still, his projection comes with definite risk factors.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Police officials have not released any further details about the victim wounded in the shooting on Washington Avenue, several blocks east of where officers had surrounded the vehicle on 12th Avenue.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The footage and purchase details offer a new window into the potential planning for the attack as investigators probe possible motives and the relationship between Balat and Kayumi.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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