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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 company will also sell special ticket packages that include admission to all three events, with On Location also selling VIP experiences.
    Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
  • What makes the possibility of Ovechkin breaking Gretzky’s goal record this season so special is that Ovechkin would be doing it at the same seasonal rate as Gretzky did.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Zelenskyy had been pressing the White House for explicit security guarantees, to no avail.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Being explicit and deliberate in communicating timely health advice is critical, particularly during a deadly disease outbreak.
    Omer Awan, Forbes, 7 Mar. 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
  • In fact, Trump mentioned Biden 13 times in the speech.
    Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 5 Mar. 2025
  • In fact, in 2014 the Cleveland Clinic opened the first functional medicine practice at any US academic medical center, the Center for Functional Medicine, where Dr. Carter is the medical director.
    Sarah Klein, SELF, 5 Mar. 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
  • In addition, Ukraine has relied on U.S. intelligence data for conducting some of its precise strikes on Russian troop concentrations in occupied territories.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The iterative competition has made the cars faster, the batteries lighter and more powerful, and the software more precise.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 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
  • Plot Your Containers If lack of space is an issue, container gardening is the remedy.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Google already announced its preferred remedy at the tail end of 2024.
    Ryan Whitwam, Ars Technica, 5 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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