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
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 specify
Japan also agreed to invest $550 billion in the U.S. economy, Trump added, but the president did not specify how the funds would be spent.
—
Max Zahn, ABC News, 23 July 2025
Later in the school year — city officials did not specify exactly when — cameras will be implemented at the following schools: Blue Lake Elementary School, Calusa Elementary School, Omni Middle School and Spanish River Community High School.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 21 July 2025
Agency guidelines do not specify how soon the government should step in after a loan falls into delinquency, but under federal law, lenders cannot foreclose on a property until borrowers have been in default for 120 days.
—ProPublica, 20 July 2025
Her attorney, Tony Buzbee, announced the dismissal Friday in a post on X but did not specify the details of the settlement.
—Matt Moret, New York Times, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for specify
Max Zahn, ABC News, 23 July 2025
Later in the school year — city officials did not specify exactly when — cameras will be implemented at the following schools: Blue Lake Elementary School, Calusa Elementary School, Omni Middle School and Spanish River Community High School.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 21 July 2025
Agency guidelines do not specify how soon the government should step in after a loan falls into delinquency, but under federal law, lenders cannot foreclose on a property until borrowers have been in default for 120 days.
—ProPublica, 20 July 2025
Her attorney, Tony Buzbee, announced the dismissal Friday in a post on X but did not specify the details of the settlement.
—Matt Moret, New York Times, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for specify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specify
Verb
-
Digital Transformation Propelled by Emerging Technologies Significant technical innovation is defining the transformative digital age.—
Chuck Brooks,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Medical records reportedly revealed that Hogan was previously diagnosed with atrial fibrillation — a heart condition defined as having an irregular heart rhythm — and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a form of cancer.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
31 July 2025
Verb
-
While sitting atop the league, the Cubs went into the trade deadline with some massive holes on the roster, but ultimately didn't make many moves worth mentioning.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Aug. 2025
-
Just 6% of global heat health plans mention suicide, despite studies showing exposure to heat increases suicide risk.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Still, doctors would prescribe it in pregnancies like mine.—
Anna Russell,
New Yorker,
26 July 2025
-
The medication is typically prescribed to women to mitigate symptoms of menopause or perimenopause.—
Katia Riddle,
NPR,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
In 2023, 571 people in Boise were cited for running a red light.—
Amaia Gavica,
Idaho Statesman,
25 July 2025
-
Elsewhere this morning, German auto giant Volkswagen cut its guidance, also citing President Donald Trump's tariffs regime.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
In Sunday’s victory against the Blue Jays, the Tigers noticed something off with Meadows both on the field and in the bases.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
29 July 2025
-
Some people notice soft, fine hair regrowing on the affected areas initially, which thickens and darkens over time.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
29 July 2025
Verb
-
The Main State Fire Marshal is still investigating the incident, but initial findings indicate liquid propane gas was seemingly leaking into and beneath the camper prior to the incident, according to fire officials.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
29 July 2025
-
This indicates that Comcast may also encounter ongoing challenges.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Verb
-
Gorgeous George was an effective self-promoter, and his character was a major influence on boxer Muhammad Ali and musician James Brown, as noted in Little Village Magazine.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
27 July 2025
-
However, the reporter noted that at no point did there ever seem to be cause for serious alarm or did there appear to be any significant concern on the part of the security staff.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
26 July 2025
Verb
-
Unexpectedly, he's been taking it upon himself to continue quoting verses, stepping into the role of a preacher.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
-
Google co-founder Sergey Brin has been widely quoted as instructing his office designers to assure no employee was more than 200 feet away from food.—
Christiaan Hetzner,
Fortune,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specify. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share