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
How the center specifying a particular defender can dictate each offensive lineman’s responsibility.
—
Alec Lewis, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
The document — posted only in English, a language Lopez is not fluent in — did not specify whether all or only certain units must be evacuated.
—Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2025
Arkansas State Police did not specify an exact location or which barbershop McGann was arrested.
—Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
YouTube does not specify in its blog what will happen with this data.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for specify
Alec Lewis, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
The document — posted only in English, a language Lopez is not fluent in — did not specify whether all or only certain units must be evacuated.
—Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2025
Arkansas State Police did not specify an exact location or which barbershop McGann was arrested.
—Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
YouTube does not specify in its blog what will happen with this data.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 31 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
-
Injuries would define the latter stages of her career, resulting in a loss of form and a drop in the rankings.—
Lukas Weese,
New York Times,
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
-
The dog was also prescribed de-worming medication after being in her care.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
6 Aug. 2025
-
In April, her doctor prescribed her the weight loss drug.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
In 2023, ProSieben’s leadership openly rejected MFE’s push for deeper integration, citing concerns over governance and independence.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Aug. 2025
-
There is a prix fixe dinner of three courses for a very reasonable $65, though citing seven dishes with supplements of $4 to $8 seems a tad disingenuous.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Radhi, an Ayurvedic enthusiast, noticed Jay’s sweet tooth was something deeper than an occasional craving.—
Omaid Homayun,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
In the meantime, both Hulu and Disney+ are available as stand-alone apps or to purchase as a package As viewers may have noticed, several shows have become streamable on both platforms over the last few years.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Court documents indicated that there were at least four other co-conspirators, including Larry Conner, Roderick Prescott, Suzanne Thompson, and Weldon Wulstein.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The problem is not the roadway, which has double lines and reflectors and miles of yellow barriers indicating no passing.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Han shook off criticisms of the small ring by also noting that both Belly and Jeremiah are college students on a budget.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
As Mousavi noted, some previous studies have lumped all types of potatoes together for their effects on type 2 diabetes.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Davidson says, quoting an exchange between Sylvester Stallone's titular boxer and his on-screen trainer, Burgess Meredith's Mickey.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Myers quoted another Hollywood legend, MGM studio head Irving Thalberg.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specify. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share