1
as in especially
in regard to something mentioned explicitly or in detail specifically, I object to the second point

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in particularly
in the specific case of one person or thing as distinguished from others the medical study is focused on women, and specifically older women

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 specifically The city of Sacramento is not on track with its goals for developing housing in general and affordable housing specifically. Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025 In fact, studies have shown that tobacco companies specifically target minors for their sales. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2025 By Katie Camero Other winning options: PRX does offer a slightly cheaper version featuring 2x3 uprights and an option with a kipping bar (which is a pull-up bar specifically designed for the kipping pull-ups commonly incorporated into CrossFit workouts). Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025 This includes arguably the most advanced and specifically focused voice recognition/control system in the TV world. John Archer, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for specifically
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specifically
Adverb
  • Getting players out the door, however, may not be so easy, especially as this most recent promotion will have led to wages rising to reflect the club’s Championship status.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • While Clarkson is hardly the first star to break out the relaxed silhouette this year — celebs like Oprah, Martha Stewart, and Jessica Alba are fans of the pants style, too — Clarkson’s khaki pair looks especially versatile for busy summer plans Ready to try the trend for yourself?
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 28 May 2025
Adverb
  • Menopausal women are particularly vulnerable, with 10% of women 65 and older reporting at least one UTI every year.
    Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 3 June 2025
  • On the trade front, hopes are still high on Wall Street that Trump will reach deals with other countries that will ultimately lower tariffs, particularly with the world’s second-largest economy.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Adverb
  • Over the years, she's also made appearances in several TV shows, most notably ER, Mad About You and In the Heat of the Night.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • Yet recent actions by both Elon Musk and prominent academic institutions—most notably Harvard, but also Columbia, MIT, and others—suggest that even the most successful individuals and organizations are capable of ignoring foundational wisdom.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adverb
  • Other nighttime parades, like Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, are exclusive to specially ticketed after-hours events and not included with standard park admission like Disney Starlight will be.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 29 May 2025
  • Two new Boeing 747-8 planes are currently being specially customized to become the next generation of Air Force One — a project that has been in the works for years and subject to delays.
    Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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