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
Ablakwa did not specify the specific types of artifacts, nor where they are currently being held. Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 22 June 2026 In healthy people, the specific makeup of the gut microbiome can vary considerably based on geography, lifestyle, diet, genetics and other factors. Will Stone, NPR, 22 June 2026
Noun
Division Manager Kiska Icard said that capturing photos and videos in nonpublic areas now requires prior permission and cited operational and personnel privacy concerns without offering specifics. Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 19 June 2026 Without providing specifics, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also recently said that his company’s new centers were using only as much water as a restaurant annually. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
  • The talks will include US Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner and the US special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
    Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • No one enters without a hotel reservation or special pass.
    Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • The decentralized group, created by 15-year-old Bradley Chance Cadenhead in Stephenville, targets children through social media, gaming platforms and messaging apps to coerce them into self-harm and sharing explicit content.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026
  • Samaritaine is explicit about this positioning.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • In fact, many of us often end up buying things that our colleagues found during their search.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • In fact, Trea Turner kept the game alive with a single to center field.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Those characteristics could make the biochar useful beyond fuel applications.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026
  • Though every case is unique, based on those that the NCMEC has tracked, there are some common characteristics among individuals who carry out fetal abductions, Steinbach says.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Since the launch of LineShine, the supercomputer has been used for applications ranging from climate modeling and engineering simulations to drug discovery, neuroscience and AI, the center said.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • Court documents say Blakemore was a prolific drug trafficker for the Highs street gang, selling fentanyl at the intersection of Broadway and Lyndale in north Minneapolis.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Switzerland’s offense thus far has been more precise and organized.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
  • The changes would establish statewide procedural guidelines with precise wording and stricter student-athlete residency verification requirements, which leaves less room for error.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • From indie shorts and arthouse features to 3D family-friendly blockbusters, Canada’s presence this year is a definite sign of a resilient animation industry.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 18 June 2026
  • Despite that, her royal status has come with one definite perk.
    Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • The Los Angeles Police Department did not immediately have details about the shooting.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Frequently asked questions about capsule wardrobes Plenty of people like the idea of a capsule wardrobe but stall on the details.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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