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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
When tackling a recipe together, decide what steps would be easy for your child to do and assign them specific tasks to prevent everyone from getting overwhelmed. Liz Regalia, Parents, 2 June 2025 While Tylenol is targeting a variety of consumers who may experience pain with this launch, Gow identified a few specific ones, particularly those 40-plus. Emily Burns, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
Noun
How did the search land on Jeff Blashill? Davidson didn’t get into specifics about how many people the Hawks interviewed. Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025 Without divulging the specifics of the second half, the gist is that reexperiencing the events of the three days in Seattle from Abby’s perspective messes with Ellie’s positioning as a hero on a quest to avenge her father figure. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
  • But even by such a high standard this triptych is special as a work of art and a piece of history.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • The location is special, as Thicke and Geary made their public debut as a couple there during the Cannes Film Festival 10 years ago in 2015.
    Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • What To Know The tech mogul entered politics last year with the explicit purpose of getting Trump elected for a second term as president, spending more than $75 million in the process.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • When confronted by a cop for defacing public property, Samantha lets her in on Richard's explicit transgression and instantly earns a metaphorical get-out-of-jail-free card from her new police officer ally.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • This is aimed at encouraging more employers to offer coverage of the drugs.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • The new book picks up a decade later with a different crisis, this one born of a sudden increase in drugs.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • In fact, one of the best times to start is when life feels relatively stable.
    Chamin Ajjan, CNBC, 28 May 2025
  • There has been a change, but it has been driven by facts rather than ideology.
    James T. Kloppenberg, Time, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Besides searching for the likes of methane and ammonia, the characteristics of the planet's atmosphere discernible to JWST could point to which formation model – core accretion or disk instability – is the correct one, or even whether a brand new formation model is needed.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 June 2025
  • Key characteristics of individuals with big egos in the workplace include: Domineering behavior.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • No human prompts are needed with agentic AI, and each agent can be set to target precise goals.
    Tom Dunlop, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • That is the precise formula the Pacers had used defensively to eradicate the Milwaukee Bucks and Cavs and push the Knicks to the brink of elimination.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Fillers have gone before town officials this past spring to present a concept plan to the Cedar Lake Planning Commission, which included restoring the chapel to be in use, but no definite decisions have been made.
    Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
  • More Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images While there are definite reasons for Indiana fans to be nervous, Haliburton is motivated to make sure the Pacers do not drop Game 6 at home.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • After a decision comes down, Google is expected to file a request for a stay of the remedies.
    Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 30 May 2025
  • Hopefully, a remedy is finally on the way in the form of crossplay.
    David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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