SPECIFY Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

specify

verb

ˈspe-sə-ˌfī

Definition of specify

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

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 Without specifying which operators, Trost added platforms within the space also have a responsibility in following regulation, rather than working around it. — Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026 The jet ski operator told other local media that the family appeared to have traveled outside the area specified by the rental agreement for the jet ski. — CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026 If the municipal bond issuer does not pay interest or principal when due, the insurer makes the payment as specified in the policy. — Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026 Police released the ages and genders of the victims on Saturday but did not specify whether they were related to one another or the assailant. — Jacqueline Ganun, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for specify

Verb

The idea that government, which has been defined as incompetent and inefficient for decades, could provide grocery abundance and variety better than Walmart and Costco has triggered a visceral reaction among critics.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Fierezza, for example, is defined by contrasts between pink peppercorn, incense, and marine notes.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of define

Verb

But by the next month, Tufts learned Clancy had started taking multiple other medications prescribed by another provider.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
The subpoena seeks QueerDoc's personnel files, billing documents, communications with drug manufacturers and records of patients who were prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapy, among other information, according to the 9th Circuit decision.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of prescribe

Verb

Dawn Rush, an organizer with North Decatur Action, cited figures showing the number of cameras connected to Atlanta's surveillance network growing from roughly 3,300 in 2021 to more than 28,000.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
As well as the life sentence, Hui was also ordered to forfeit his personal assets and was stripped of all political rights, China’s official Xinhua news agency reported, citing a verdict handed down by a court in the southern metropolis of Shenzhen.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of cite

Verb

Orange County beachgoers notice that there's a lot of stingrays lately, and lifeguards say the warm water, especially in places where the surf is relatively calm, is contributing to a dramatic increase in the number of stingray incidents.

— Michele Gile, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Apartments with sticky floors and landlords absentee enough not to notice, or care, if a living room became a mosh pit.

— Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of notice

Verb

Tests between -112°F and 68°F showed no exothermic peaks associated with water crystallization, indicating that ice formation was suppressed in the hydrogel.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
Research indicates one in-person meeting can deliver the impact of three virtual ones, with many finding the commercial return outweighs travel costs.

— Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of indicate

Verb

Changes in skew, which measures demand for options at various price points, have been particularly key, Murphy noted.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
The report noted that as a result of the sale Jeanie Buss would lose her role as the team governor under NBA rules requiring owners/governors to own at least 15% of a team.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of note

Verb

Everton quoted interested parties £20m for Iroegbunam in January.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
But the executives who witnessed it eventually cycled into new roles, institutional memory faded, and when rates began their long slide downward, lanes still went to whoever quoted a few cents less per mile.

— Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of quote

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specifies

specify

specifying

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Style

“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specify. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of specify

verb

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