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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of specific
Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
The arbitration hearing will allow for both sides to receive a specific contractual figure if no settlement is reached in the upcoming weeks.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
The agency typically does not discuss the specifics of health matters related to astronauts.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for specific
Adjective
Hamilton, wary of France’s descent into chaos and its aggressive wars, contended that treaties are contracts with specific regimes, not eternal bonds irrespective of change.
—Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
The arbitration hearing will allow for both sides to receive a specific contractual figure if no settlement is reached in the upcoming weeks.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
Although the specifics of that proposal are not yet clear, last year’s version would have allowed districts to apply for reimbursements for expenses such as nursing, interpreting, physical therapy or specialized equipment.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
The agency typically does not discuss the specifics of health matters related to astronauts.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
-
Nowadays, Khloé Kardashian will only accept one very special boy in her bed.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The defensive coordinator, who has a special relationship with his longtime pupil, is happy to see Scott on the upswing.—
Mike Kaye
January 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Without explicit training, civil servants risk assuming that a system that writes like an expert also counts like one.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
-
In addition, explicit prohibitions on shooting at vehicles are largely absent from the law, which means that officers responsible for fatal shootings of drivers that appear to violate departmental policies still often escape criminal penalties.—
Ben Jones,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Archival added that rescue efforts had been hampered by the fact that any sparks created by digging machinery could ignite methane gas emitted by the landfill, per the outlet.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
In fact, the last three Chiefs results have all been for the best for them — losing in the short-term offers some benefit for the team’s long-term future.—
Sam McDowell
January 9,
Kansas City Star,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But there are other factors that needled their way into the evolutionary development of dormancy characteristics.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
-
There’s no single definition in our modern times, but experts generally agree on a few characteristics.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The driver of the truck, a 40-year-old man, was not hurt and will be subject to drug and alcohol testing, which police say is standard procedure.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Such advances are particularly valuable in drug discovery, where precise molecular design is essential, as well as in the development of advanced materials and agrochemicals.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Traditionally, systems capable of producing megawatts of power lacked the fine control needed for these delicate adjustments, while ultra-precise systems could not handle the massive energy loads.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The cookbooks, as precise and organized as a home ec teacher’s pantry, are filled with family-favorite recipes ranging from Wild-Rice Barley Casserole to Finnish Pulla Coffee Bread.—
Molly Guthrey,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The newest, pinkest addition to Orlando Auto Museum was a definite fixer-upper.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The designer anticipates a definite shift from floral to geometric motifs, with bold color-blocking techniques that will set the tone in a room.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Court documents say the funds were used to fund their lifestyle and on luxury goods, although the documents did not provide additional details on the spending.—
Chase Jordan
January 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
-
This capability allows users to capture ultra-high-resolution video while preserving fine detail.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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