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
The report didn’t specify why Davison was ruled out.
—
Charles Odum, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
And the Chiefs did not specify that the allegation involves Rice.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
Denver police did not specify what conflicts had been documented.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Other agencies’ contracts with their drug testing services do not specify cutoff levels, leaving the decision to the lab.
—Lucas Waldron, ProPublica, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for specify
Charles Odum, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
And the Chiefs did not specify that the allegation involves Rice.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
Denver police did not specify what conflicts had been documented.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Other agencies’ contracts with their drug testing services do not specify cutoff levels, leaving the decision to the lab.
—Lucas Waldron, ProPublica, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for specify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specify
Verb
-
Davis’ injury is the latest — and potentially most damaging — blow in a Mavericks season defined by attrition.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
While its character may be defined by its history—ask the staff about its connections to Jackie O and George Washington—the inn embraces all of the modern comforts.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Not to mention the titular bugs, a swarm of blood-invading creatures discovered by her new lover, the mysterious drifter Peter Evans (Namir Smallwood).—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Hafley said Wednesday that having his name being mentioned as a head coaching candidate is flattering and humbling.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Along with expanding access across state lines, the report advocates for Massachusetts to removed the requirement for nurses to have two years of experience before being allowed to prescribe.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Treatment often involves taking antiviral drugs prescribed by your doctor, which are different from antibiotics and not available over the counter.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The driver was cited and is expected to get a criminal complaint for endangered driving.—
Mike Sullivan,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
What evidence are authorities citing against the suspect?—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The theft wasn't noticed until a store employee saw that the entire caviar section was empty, which led management to check their security cameras.—
Michele Gile,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
One game, Jordan Ross, his roommate, noticed that Jake was too late to rotate over on a double-team from the baseline side on a drive.—
Mirin Fader,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This week, Walker County Coroner Joey Vick said that preliminary autopsy findings indicate that Johnathan Boley’s death is consistent with hypothermia, Fox affiliate WBRC, ABC affiliate WBMA and NBC affiliate WVTM reported.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
In fact, earlier research indicates that such training could be detrimental, inspiring burnout.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Citizens Utility Board expressed outrage at the request, noting the increase would push the utility's total rate increases to more than $1 billion in less than a decade.—
CBS Chicago Team,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Deputies found Carter deceased on the scene, noting that no foul play was suspected.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Reuters quoted sources, who noted that no deal is yet done.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specify. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
