specific 1 of 2

specific

2 of 2

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
Reagan's ability to bridge the partisan divide and work with congressional Democrats on specific bills, such as Social Security reform and immigration policies, suggests a White House capable of achieving ideological success despite congressional barriers. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 This approach helps LLMs produce more accurate, contextually relevant, and up-to-date information, especially when dealing with specific domains or real-time data. Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
Department of Corrections spokesman Rand Champion declined to discuss the specifics of the changes related to the escape of former Gateway Police Chief Grant Hardin, saying there is an ongoing investigation into the incident. arkansasonline.com, 9 July 2025 The concept is creative, potentially very useful for customers and service teams alike, as are the specifics: the Verizon champions will update customers on progress through the channel of the customer’s choosing. Dan Gingiss, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
  • But that Berger has this moment is special for myriad reasons.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 July 2025
  • Aldrin also shared that Pope Leo XIV spoke with him and his wife, expressing how special the moment was.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Be The Boss: Give Your AI A Role And Super-Clear Instructions The most effective AI startups treat their LLMs like new, highly capable team members needing explicit direction.
    Pradeep Kumar Muthukamatchi, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • And on Sunday a hacker used Elmo's X account to post explicit remarks on social media against President Donald Trump.
    Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Kamut 10 grams per cup cooked Like farro, kamut is a type of wheat; in fact, the term kamut is the ancient Egyptian word for it.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • In fact, the share of jobs filled by residents is growing faster in Meridian than in all other peer cities in the West, city officials say — while Boise’s has declined significantly.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Sometimes an offense takes on the characteristics of its most distinguishable member - only the Brewers have a lower team average exit speed than the Padres, and only a handful of clubs hit more line drives, as the club mimics the tendencies of Luis Arraez.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Felix Brill, chief investment officer at VP Bank, agrees that the SGD has many characteristics of a modern safe haven, including macroeconomic stability, strong institutions, a large current account surplus, and low political risk.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Among this new wave is a class of drugs called nitazenes.
    Christina Lengyel, The Washington Examiner, 20 July 2025
  • These shots are strong inflammation-fighting drugs that are injected directly into the affected joints.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • The switch-over will make the robots lighter and more damage-resistant, with more precise control over their movements.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • To acquire more precise information, the I.D.F. developed a telephone that appeared to be registered in Lebanon.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • This in itself makes a refreshing change from the usual baffling Marvel McGuffin, and even though the outcome is wholly predictable, there’s a definite frisson in the sight of The Herald’s liquid-metal hand trying to snatch Sue’s baby from the womb.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 July 2025
  • The city offers little in the way of culinary variety — a definite downside for food lovers seeking new and exciting options, according to the study.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Plot details for the sequel are still under wraps, though Frankel and McKenna told EW in a 2021 oral history celebrating the original film's 15th birthday that a potential continuation wouldn't be easy to make.
    EW.com, EW.com, 21 July 2025
  • Since the show wrapped, he's maintained a low profile and few details about his personal life are known.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 21 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on specific

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!