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
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Recent Examples of specify
Neither the readout from the Kremlin nor China’s Foreign Ministry specified whether the war in Ukraine was discussed during Tuesday’s call between Putin and Xi.
—
Simone McCarthy, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025
The budget airline updated its contract of carriage to specify the types of clothing and tattoos that may not be allowed on board.
—Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
Her death was announced by Pace Gallery, which did not specify a cause.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 22 Jan. 2025
In 2023, there was one incident of unruly passenger behavior for every 480 flights compared to one for every 568 flights in 2022, the trade association said, without specifying how many of these incidents involved alcohol.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for specify 
Simone McCarthy, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025
The budget airline updated its contract of carriage to specify the types of clothing and tattoos that may not be allowed on board.
—Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
Her death was announced by Pace Gallery, which did not specify a cause.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 22 Jan. 2025
In 2023, there was one incident of unruly passenger behavior for every 480 flights compared to one for every 568 flights in 2022, the trade association said, without specifying how many of these incidents involved alcohol.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for specify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specify
Verb
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Uniquely is a Sacramento Bee series that covers the moments, landmarks and personalities that define what makes living in the Sacramento area so special.—
Graham Womack,
Sacramento Bee,
1 Feb. 2025
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Through Heart of the Kingdom, the franchise continues to deepen its connection with fans, celebrating the personal journeys that define the players and staff beyond the game.—
Mecca Pryor,
Essence,
1 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Drake, who has also been boycotting the Grammys, and also made this announcement in 2021, did not get mentioned, just another brick in his now-that’s-a-bad-year wall.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
3 Feb. 2025
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Eby has mentioned that relief packages may be necessary.—
Kate Linderman,
Miami Herald,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Depending on the diagnosis, a healthcare provider can prescribe an individualized treatment plan, including medication or other dietary changes specific to your gut health situation.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Health,
24 Jan. 2025
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Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists — which contain either semaglutide or liraglutide — are prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, but previous studies have linked the drugs to other, unexpected benefits.—
Melissa Rudy,
Fox News,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Per the Times, which at the time cited trial testimony, Walker was accused of taking a pair of sunglasses from the store before the owner asked the NYPD officer to investigate.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
25 Jan. 2025
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The filmmaker also cited a recording indicating there was a second gun and the word of RFK’s coroner who has called for the case to be reopened.—
Michael Loria,
USA TODAY,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Since noticing strange things happening in her home, Kayleigh began sharing videos of them on TikTok (@thegreenemanor).—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
30 Jan. 2025
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In January 2023, a Delta plane was preparing for take off when air traffic controllers noticed another craft crossing the runway in its path.—
Mackenzie Schmidt,
People.com,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The OpenAI spokesperson indicated the White House may get involved in the dispute.—
Kevin Collier,
NBC News,
30 Jan. 2025
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Radio communications indicate that air traffic control at the airport informed the helicopter about the approaching plane and asked the pilots to confirm visual contact, following standard procedure.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Maher, who expressed support for Gaetz's denial, noted that if there had been evidence, the Justice Department would have acted.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
27 Jan. 2025
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Social media users noted the similarities between the two men, with people insisting that Franco portray the 26-year-old University of Pennsylvania graduate in whatever future show or movie was produced about his alleged crime.—
Caroline Thayer,
Fox News,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Media reports in the U.S. quoted Pentagon officials as saying Mexico also denied landing permission to a deportation flight late last week.—
Tracy Wilkinson,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2025
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While millions tuned in online to watch the inauguration, the data quoted by Trump inspires questions.—
Barbara A. Perry,
Newsweek,
27 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near specify
Cite this Entry
“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specify. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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