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 The timetable sets out when 3M must fund the settlement, but does not specify when individual claimants will receive their money. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026 The measure does not specify which examinations or tests providers must use. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026 The amount of his withdrawal is computed using the year specified in the Single Life Expectancy Table using the age of the beneficiary the year following the death of the IRA owner. — Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026 O’Connell, who declined to specify the severity of the strain, stressed the importance of a cautious approach with an injury that can linger if it’s not fully healed. — Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for specify

Verb

Independent scrutiny remains PSI said David Turturean led the work, developing the research system, defining the problem and running the process.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Mintel’s 2026 Global Beauty and Personal Care Predictions name it a defining macro trend as consumers burn out on product overload.

— Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of define

Verb

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ statement backing El-Sayed after the flap did not mention Stevens, a member of his caucus, by name.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
In touting Kimberly-Clark's focus on value, Hsu mentioned the company recently brought some innovation to its value-tier Huggies Snug & Dry.

— Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of mention

Verb

Pat and Jerry Brown as inspirations, citing the younger Brown’s fiscal expertise and the elder’s work to build infrastructure and grow the University of California.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Black, who helped found private equity giant Apollo Global Management, accused Garcia of making maliciously false statements, citing statements the ranking member of the House oversight committee made in interviews.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of cite

Verb

The Politics to Art initiative was launched after Fishman noticed how many campaign signs were winding up in the trash after each election.

— Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026
The brothers began studying the weather more precisely, noticing patterns in forecasts and how the weather actually plays out around us.

— Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of notice

Verb

Astronomers have cataloged more than 6,000 exoplanets and are examining the atmospheres of promising worlds for gases that could indicate biological activity.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
Who starts Saturday’s game at Kansas is uncertain, but Frost indicated that Barnett could see action this weekend against the Jayhawks.

— Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of indicate

Verb

To be in easy reach of the spa, book into a room on the second floor, although note the corridor is prone to spa-traffic.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
In a chat with PEOPLE, Douglas noted that the original playwright, Clare Boothe Luce, was overlooked in adapting the play for the screen.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of note

Verb

When the company that quoted the patient is the one licensed to treat them, responsibility sits in one place, from the first message to the last follow-up.

— Connie Etemadi, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
The military campaign against Iran has been kept quiet on purpose so as not to signal any intention of major combat escalation, the report said, quoting an unnamed official.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of quote

Browse Nearby Words

specifies

specify

specifying

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specify. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of specify

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

valorous

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes