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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of specific
Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2025
One specific example cited by Grossman showed how BBC Arabic gave greater prominence to Hamas in a BBC News story about a Yazidi woman who was allegedly rescued by Israeli soldiers after being trafficked to Gaza, where she was held captive by a Palestinian member of Hamas.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
Ian King, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
Emergent Personality The specifics of the village—which goals the agents pursue, and for how long—have evolved over time.
—Tharin Pillay, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specific
Adjective
When selecting a specific use case to pursue, Pantone considered the struggles its customers had previously brought to the company’s attention and surveyed other tools on the market for designers and creatives.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2025
One specific example cited by Grossman showed how BBC Arabic gave greater prominence to Hamas in a BBC News story about a Yazidi woman who was allegedly rescued by Israeli soldiers after being trafficked to Gaza, where she was held captive by a Palestinian member of Hamas.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
On Tuesday, the chancellor would not be drawn on the specifics around tax rises when journalists questioned where the axe could fall.
—Ian King, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
Emergent Personality The specifics of the village—which goals the agents pursue, and for how long—have evolved over time.
—Tharin Pillay, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
-
The arrows don't predict the future or claim special insight.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
In special event zones like one recently established near Petco Park, annual fees for additional spots will jump from $317 to $10,000 — one-third less than the $15,000 proposed by Gloria’s staff.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Not in any explicit way—my father wasn’t the cranky, alcoholic ex-minor league baseball player who drove around Los Angeles with his pool cleaning equipment in the back of his Cadillac convertible played by Matthau.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
-
In a robot like Shakey, the map is explicit.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In fact, this team found that even after the light from Type Ia supernovas was standardized, Type Ia supernovas from populations of younger stars were fainter than those belonging to older stellar populations.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
6 Nov. 2025
-
In fact, the Cubs have never handed out a free agency deal worth over $200 million.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Published in Aerospace Science and Technology, the study describes that the Accurate prediction of aerodynamic drag characteristics across a wide range of wing-body configurations is crucial in the early design stages of transonic commercial transport aircraft.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Customers see a different look, feel, color, drape and other characteristics of an apparel product.—
Raj Dhiman,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Campaign ads, showing images of flash-mob robberies, promised voters that harsher penalties would put an end to basic items being locked away in display cases and funnel people repeatedly arrested for drug offenses in treatment.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
-
While administration officials have avoided overtly saying their goal is regime change — Trump has focused his public remarks on fighting drug cartels — the ultimate goal of democratizing Venezuela, and the resulting investment benefits, are front and center in investors’ minds.—
Shelby Talcott,
semafor.com,
4 Nov. 2025
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
-
Because to me, things like nullify and void have definite meanings.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
But experts suggest holding off on seeing melatonin as a definite danger.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The league then sends out direct notification letters to players, giving them the specific details of the fine and instructions on how to appeal.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Zoë officially takes over Sarah's investigation into Dinah and learns a few key details, including that the gas main had been shut off for years.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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