1
as in to define
to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly
the document specifies precisely how you may use the information it contains
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to mention
to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically
police reports didn't specify the model of car the robbers were driving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of specify
Nelson did not specify the extent to which the Ph.D. cohort sizes would be reduced.
—
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
Without specifying why, the Navy on Tuesday removed Capt. Russell A. Herrell as commander of the San Diego branch of the Naval Information Force Reserve Readiness Center, or REDSEN, which provides the Navy with personnel for mobilization and peacetime operations.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
Countries could be added or removed on a rolling basis, per the order, which also states the trial will apply to all B1 and B2 (business and tourism, respectively) visas for citizens of the nations that will be specified.
—AFAR Media, 12 Aug. 2025
In 2009, a Supreme Court decision in Boyle v. United States specified that such an enterprise must have at least three structural attributes: purpose, established relationships among those associated with the group, and longevity.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specify
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
Without specifying why, the Navy on Tuesday removed Capt. Russell A. Herrell as commander of the San Diego branch of the Naval Information Force Reserve Readiness Center, or REDSEN, which provides the Navy with personnel for mobilization and peacetime operations.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
Countries could be added or removed on a rolling basis, per the order, which also states the trial will apply to all B1 and B2 (business and tourism, respectively) visas for citizens of the nations that will be specified.
—AFAR Media, 12 Aug. 2025
In 2009, a Supreme Court decision in Boyle v. United States specified that such an enterprise must have at least three structural attributes: purpose, established relationships among those associated with the group, and longevity.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specify
Verb
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In a sport often defined by early prodigies and immediate stars, his story is refreshingly different.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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Shane Bieber was always the acquisition that would define the Toronto Blue Jays’ trade deadline.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Not to mention the larger-than-life absence of one Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall).—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
15 Aug. 2025
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First there’s the commute itself, then, dealing with lugging all of my stuff out to the sand, and the less than pleasant bathrooms… not to mention the overpriced boardwalk food.—
Rachel Davies,
Architectural Digest,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Not the families politicians prescribe, or the structures dictated by economic necessity, but the families that individuals themselves choose.—
Stephanie Psaki,
Time,
18 Aug. 2025
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The online ordering platform includes a brief medical screening questionnaire to be reviewed by a licensed health-care provider before prescribing the vaccine.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Their reasons are practical and emotional: 76% cited concern for LGBTQ rights in general, while 71% cited hostile social and political environments.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
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Often cited as the project that launched the boutique lifestyle hotel movement, the original W Hotel changed the game.—
Melinda Sheckells,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Wilson noticed the prank and chased Banjo briefly before Banjo gave it up.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
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Police noticed that Landum’s truck did not have a front license plate and made contact with the rapper about that problem.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Maxwell pleads ignorance about Epstein's $30 million transfers Blanche asked Maxwell about banking records indicating that Epstein sent her or her entities about $30 million in money over several years.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
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That indicates the disease is spreading in the community.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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No sale, clearance, or membership items were noted.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Aug. 2025
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These inspections include checking smoke detectors, noting if egress routes are clearly marked, and checking things such as exit signs and emergency lighting.—
Erik S. Hanley,
jsonline.com,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
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An accompanying editor’s note quoted an excerpt from a CNBC transcript of Trump’s comment.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Aug. 2025
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Last month, White House communications director Steven Cheung criticized a different Washington Post story that quoted a drone warfare expert about the vulnerability of the U.S. to drone strikes.—
Shannon Bond,
NPR,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specify. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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