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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

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
The species is specific to the North Atlantic Ocean, so estimates are not aggregated with other regional right whales, including the endangered North Pacific right whale and the Southern right whale. Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025 Experiential marketing, idiosyncratic merch and hyper-specific campaign strategies — and, yes, of course the movies — are being deployed by players in the indie film space looking to create brand loyalty among a budding demographic of moviegoers. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
Adopted this year, the state’s new social studies standards provide even more specifics about what should be taught. Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 22 Oct. 2025 Currently, there are no specifics as to how much land has been burned or the size of the crew executing the prescribed fire. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
  • Swets, who has expertise with special-purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), formed Greenland Exploration with his investment and merchant banking firm, FG Nexus, and agreed to merge with March GL and find a suitable SPAC to take the company public.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • There were also special video messages from Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey and Michelle Yeoh.
    Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In one recent case, a 22-year-old man used Discord to prey on victims as young as 12 years old, coercing them into creating explicit content.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 21 Oct. 2025
  • In sharp contrast, Trump has now attempted three times to send troops to large cities over the explicit objection of Democratic governors.
    Andrea Katz, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, Kondo even argues that the need to clear the space around us and to tidy things away is just as widespread and common as the religious tendency.
    Big Think, Big Think, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Bitcoin and ether’s comparative resilience is largely due to the fact that the two largest cryptos by market capitalization are older and more well established than alternative digital assets, GSR head of content and special projects Frank Chaparro told CNBC.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Sadly, the Volvo EX30 missed its moment to be great, but retains some appealing characteristics.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Taking inspiration from the Greek enchantress Circe, the fragrance embodies her mythical characteristics of seduction and power, alongside rebellion and creation.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • He was arrested in Jakarta as a result of an investigation into an international drug trafficking network.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Taylor was charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence of drugs/substance, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Slow solvent evaporation causes particle clumping and pore collapse, weakening the precise structures required for efficient energy storage.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
  • For the creation of wonderful characters and a story that feels spontaneous yet precise in its depiction of power, its moral dilemmas, and the absurd contradictions with the human condition.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ares a very high 71%+ definite recommend, the 18-24 set gave it the lowest of any demographic at 44%.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
  • His father, who was a traveling salesman and former amateur goalkeeper, carried definite expectations, Klopp added.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The details of the cases were not proactively made public beyond being made available for review for anyone who files a request under the state's public records law.
    Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Despite the tiny size, the image retained impressive detail.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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