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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
These appointments reflect WestEnd’s ambition for the future, the company said, with a specific focus on enhancing the company’s position in the international television market and expanding its presence in North America, with Braverman based in New York City. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025 The company claims that its groundbreaking carbon-negative electrolysis units also extract CO2 from water to create bicarbonates and can be custom-fit to meet the specific energy demands of our customers — big or small. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
No amount of training this winter with infield coach Chris Woodward had prepared him for a spot like this, and Rojas explained the important specifics. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 Neither Parton nor her team has disclosed specifics about the singer’s health challenges. Zack Sharf, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
  • Make no mistake, though, this footballing mecca, where the turnstiles closed for the final time 25 years ago this week, was a truly special place.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Receiving that nomination, specifically for that album, was just so special.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The ride is also one of the only Disney parks attractions that features explicit images of human death, including the ride's opening sequence that sees visitors locked inside a room that, with help from special visual effects, stretches upward with guests inside.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Oct. 2025
  • But in the dietary guidelines advisory report, the scientific committee didn't make any explicit recommendations on the topic.
    Will Stone, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • One of the biggest drivers of the rally in gold is the fact that the US dollar is having one of its worst years in decades.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, these exclusive deals—which include bedding, outdoor patio furniture, kitchen appliances, and home decor from popular brands like Tommy Bahama, Yankee Candle, Casper, Ninja, and KitchenAid—will disappear at midnight.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • So yes, this is a very unique characteristic of choux.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Brian Stablein, then in his second season as an Indianapolis receiver, saw similar characteristics.
    Doug Haller, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The mice were given only three doses of the supramolecular drugs, followed by regular disease progression monitoring.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Medications may include NSAIDs, acetaminophen or other non-opioid drugs.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This decision highlights the precise reasons securities plaintiffs will continue to rely on these reports to allege corrective disclosures and loss causation.
    Tim Reynolds, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The system provides precise recommendations grounded in demand and market data.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sure, there's a definite shift of styles between the grim, cramped jail cell and a lavish Hollywood musical, but the latter seems almost subdued.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
  • There is, to United’s dismay, a definite trend of players breaking out of Old Trafford and finding a new lease of life.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Additional game details, seating locations and ticket information will be released at a later date.
    Shane Connuck October 9, Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The sheriff’s spokesperson did not have any further details about the investigation to release.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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