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specific

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective specific differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of specific are especial, individual, particular, and special. While all these words mean "of or relating to one thing or class," specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species.

children with specific nutritional needs

Where would especial be a reasonable alternative to specific?

The words especial and specific can be used in similar contexts, but especial may add implications of preeminence or preference.

a matter of especial importance

When can individual be used instead of specific?

While the synonyms individual and specific are close in meaning, individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group.

valued each individual opinion

When could particular be used to replace specific?

The synonyms particular and specific are sometimes interchangeable, but particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual.

a ballet step of particular difficulty

When is it sensible to use special instead of specific?

In some situations, the words special and specific are roughly equivalent. However, special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own.

special ingredients

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 specific
Adjective
Google probably already knows your phone number, email, and even physical address, but this tells the tool what specific information to pluck out of search results. Ryan Whitwam, Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025 These ratings don't break down precisely when people are tuning in or specific listener demographics. Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
The specifics of his case in North Carolina were not discussed in court Friday, per NBC Boston. Daniel S. Levine, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025 The settings include the type of bread being made as well as any bread specifics such as gluten free, sugar free, or vegan. Michelle Love, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
  • The business was run by James and Kelly Bracken, who own Riverdale Materials LLC, which was sued in 2018 by a competing company that said Jackson gave the business special treatment in his position as mayor.
    Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
  • This Year Most years, congressional budgets are incidental, often passing without a vote; however, this year the House budget bill is different because Republicans are pushing through their sweeping agenda via reconciliation, a special process that sidesteps Senate filibusters.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • At the Department of Defense, the direction has been explicit.
    Karen Hao, The Atlantic, 22 Feb. 2025
  • But their disdain for the city has rarely been so explicit.
    Campbell Robertson, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Still, much of that reliance – in particular, on China and India – is for generic medicines, Ricks pointed out, noting that Lilly doesn’t make those drugs.
    Meg Tirrell, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Editor's note: Zelenskyy is expected to meet with Trump in Washington on Friday to sign an deal to provide critical raw materials used for items like electric vehicle batteries and cancer drugs.
    Obed Manuel, NPR, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • There’s a really good chance, in fact, that Sasaki ends up being the most efficient free agent to add this winter.
    Tim Britton, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
  • In fact, an IRS employee can’t even use the system to browse their own data.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • While the speech shares many characteristics with a State of the Union address, this presentation is slightly different in nature.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Depending on one’s lifestyle and other characteristics, fasting might be harder on some than others.
    Monica Haider, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Redick seemed to have Doncic with the ball in his hands more than previous games, and Doncic used these touches to bludgeon this Nuggets defense repeatedly with precise shooting and strong finishing.
    Mikai Bruce, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Photograph: Conrad Fehr/Public Domain So Weierstrass rewrote them, using precise language and concrete mathematical formulas.
    Solomon Adams, WIRED, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Focus Features‘ Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu deepsea diver thriller Last Breath off a B+, 4 1/2 stars PostTrak and a 61% definite recommend is only filing $7.3M for the three-day.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The height adjustment is a definite plus, and the display, overall, is a pleasure to work with.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Lukens said Amica is considering many remedies, possibly including a lawsuit to stop the action.
    Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Those searching for catharsis or an applicable remedy to their own heartaches and existential muddles will find only one definitive answer—that no person can ever fully know her own mind.
    Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

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