1
as in special
of a particular or exact sort
we need a specific type of pen to sign the diplomas
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explicit
so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning
specific instructions regarding the interrogation of prisoners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in drug
a substance or preparation used to treat disease
quinine is a specific for malaria
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in fact
a single piece of information
although the speech was long on rhetoric and platitudinous generalities, it lacked specifics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in characteristic
something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind
the two submissions differ only in certain specifics
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
The president revealed that the U.S. will place additional tariffs on specific countries, for example China, which have benefited from large trade surpluses with the U.S.
—Charles Lloyd Bovaird Ii, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
While the menu specifics are under wraps for now, this will be the first Nobu restaurant to open in Egypt.
—Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specific
Adjective
Hilbert mentioned some specific subgoals, however, and researchers have since refined his vision into concrete steps toward its solution.
—Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
The president revealed that the U.S. will place additional tariffs on specific countries, for example China, which have benefited from large trade surpluses with the U.S.
—Charles Lloyd Bovaird Ii, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
All told, the specifics of memory and storage drive home that the Mac mini is far more suitable to mainstream users, while the Mac Studio is for a more exacting, professional market that needs those expensive, lofty levels of RAM and storage.
—PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
While the menu specifics are under wraps for now, this will be the first Nobu restaurant to open in Egypt.
—Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
-
Lawmakers can call themselves back to the Capitol in Boise for special sessions with a petition signed by at least 60% of the House and Senate.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Typically, a Seder plate is made up for the special gathering and contains six parts that symbolize Exodus.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Their strong sense of preparedness and diligence often brings greater discipline to board discussions, prompting more thoughtful questions and more explicit expectations.—
Committee of 200,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Without supervision or regulation, kids can easily stumble upon explicit material, including violent and extremist content, that can lead to mental distress, desensitization and a warped perception of the world around them.—
Richard Wistocki,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The weight loss drug market has exploded, and Kailera Therapeutics is coming for its leaders, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Pfizer is betting on its pipeline of cancer drugs to deliver long-term growth, but has emphasized that obesity is a key focus.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In fact, McGlamry says, it wasn’t referenced in any prior pleadings.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
11 Apr. 2025
-
And in fact, the state law already carries a harsher penalty.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This is highly specific work that depends on each plantation's unique characteristics, including location, soil type, and coffee variety.—
Christopher Marquis,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Both dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide, which are part of the same chemical group, have overlapping characteristics, which is why the results can’t definitively differentiate between the two molecules, but future observations might, the study authors said.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
May For almost a decade, Four Horsemen has sustained a ferocious following for its precise and creative small plates, airy interior, and interesting natural wines.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The precise extent of the cancellations and the specific products affected remain unclear.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Call me crazy, but there’s a definite pulp feel to all the prison scenes and sets, too.—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
-
For everything else, pause until there is more clarity – Effective leaders are realistic about their ability to set a definite plan in the early days of tariffs.—
John M. Bremen,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Moreover, tariffs are not an effective remedy for trade imbalances, according to Jason Furman, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Water activities are the perfect remedy to the sweaty season and some South Florida waterparks are beginning to reopen, while many others remain closed until the summer.—
Martin Vassolo,
Axios,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share