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

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
Nearly all techniques in modern cryptography are based on the difficulty of solving specific problems, like ones about coloring maps. Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 11 May 2026 Its hand in fashion has lately been AI-powered, from virtual try-on options that let the user see how a piece of clothing would personally fit them to tapping virtual agents to call local stores and check inventory for specific items. Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 11 May 2026
Noun
Looking at the project’s specifics, the picture becomes clearer. Yunus Emre Tozal, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026 Sportico reported then that Khosla bought the biggest stake of the trio, though the specifics were not available. Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
  • The evening was a huge step forward for the Wild special teams, which struggled in a pair of losses in Denver.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 10 May 2026
  • Many families experience a disconnect between generations around travel and making special times, especially as families spread farther apart geographically.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • As with a requirement for prior notification, automatically withholding funds absent explicit congressional approval is necessary, especially when one party controls both chambers of Congress and the White House.
    James Cramer, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2026
  • Eady later sued Bravo over the incident and said the explicit photos in question did not depict her.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • The simple concept of three women sharing a unified bill on the road, in fact, was something they were deprived of for most of their careers within the indie-rock scene.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In fact, so many diners made that selection that the entire room carried the aroma of fish at one point.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That realization has led some investors to examine assets with different characteristics.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • While acknowledging that antisemites may have good characteristics—a loving husband, a generous and conscientious citizen—Sartre claimed that their hatred ultimately defines them.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • But its primary association in the public consciousness since the nineteen-eighties is with the criminal underworld, particularly the drug cartels.
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The new shelter will allow residents to bring pets, which most shelters prohibit, offer a drug and alcohol treatment program and mental health services and assign those admitted a caseworker who will help connect them with professional development programs.
    Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • While mixtures of two or three metals were messy and unstable, the five-metal combination paradoxically self-organized into a single, uniform product, streamlining 31 possible chemical outcomes into a single, precise nanocrystal.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
  • That the precise prose of this account, and numerous other anecdotes, is written with the kind of titanic certainty that would sway a jury is expected; what’s surprising, however, is Crenshaw’s candor in revealing her vulnerability and disappointments.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • From California to Annecy, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios will travel with two back-to-back presentations, a definite highlight of Annecy’s Friday in recent years.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Getting Clardy is a definite positive.
    Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Ryan Moreno said at a Thursday morning news conference that details on the suspect are currently limited as the department has yet to obtain a video or photo of the driver.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
  • Double-check details before agreeing.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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