1
as in to define
to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly
the document specifies precisely how you may use the information it contains
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to mention
to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically
police reports didn't specify the model of car the robbers were driving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of specify
Japan also agreed to invest $550 billion in the U.S. economy, Trump added, but the president did not specify how the funds would be spent.
—
Max Zahn, ABC News, 23 July 2025
Later in the school year — city officials did not specify exactly when — cameras will be implemented at the following schools: Blue Lake Elementary School, Calusa Elementary School, Omni Middle School and Spanish River Community High School.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 21 July 2025
Agency guidelines do not specify how soon the government should step in after a loan falls into delinquency, but under federal law, lenders cannot foreclose on a property until borrowers have been in default for 120 days.
—ProPublica, 20 July 2025
Her attorney, Tony Buzbee, announced the dismissal Friday in a post on X but did not specify the details of the settlement.
—Matt Moret, New York Times, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for specify
Max Zahn, ABC News, 23 July 2025
Later in the school year — city officials did not specify exactly when — cameras will be implemented at the following schools: Blue Lake Elementary School, Calusa Elementary School, Omni Middle School and Spanish River Community High School.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 21 July 2025
Agency guidelines do not specify how soon the government should step in after a loan falls into delinquency, but under federal law, lenders cannot foreclose on a property until borrowers have been in default for 120 days.
—ProPublica, 20 July 2025
Her attorney, Tony Buzbee, announced the dismissal Friday in a post on X but did not specify the details of the settlement.
—Matt Moret, New York Times, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for specify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specify
Verb
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Betts spent the All-Star break — his first healthy break when he wasn’t named an All-Star since 2015 — back in the Nashville, Tenn., area, working out at a facility and continuing his deluge of swings that have defined his season.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
20 July 2025
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Among moderate caffeine users—defined as consuming less than 400 milligrams (mg) per day—the increase tends to be relatively small.—
MD Published,
Verywell Health,
19 July 2025
Verb
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When Ju-yeong half-heartedly mentions the early deaths of his parents, Dong-ju doesn’t have any sympathy.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
21 July 2025
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Though Bunnie didn’t specifically mention IVF in the video, she’s been open about how conceiving a baby with her country star husband has been one of her main focuses this year.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
21 July 2025
Verb
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Still, doctors would prescribe it in pregnancies like mine.—
Anna Russell,
New Yorker,
26 July 2025
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The medication is typically prescribed to women to mitigate symptoms of menopause or perimenopause.—
Katia Riddle,
NPR,
25 July 2025
Verb
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And while Florida might have come in first, Indianapolis was cited as the top metro area of U-Haul's customers headed to Columbus.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
25 July 2025
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In 2023, 571 people in Boise were cited for running a red light.—
Amaia Gavica,
Idaho Statesman,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Maybe a student is an amateur chef who notices that there are few affordable bakers in the area for parties and community events.—
Christopher Rim,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Pankow's absence is noticed on set of the final season, Cline says.—
Julia Moore,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Curiously, there was no representative from Prince William and Kate Middleton in the talks, and reports indicate the two are approaching the possible reconciliation carefully.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
15 July 2025
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After the tornado dissipated just west of Maryland Route 5, radar indicated that the system evolved into a rear flank downdraft, producing straight-line wind damage in areas east of the highway.—
Todd Karpovich,
Baltimore Sun,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Gorgeous George was an effective self-promoter, and his character was a major influence on boxer Muhammad Ali and musician James Brown, as noted in Little Village Magazine.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
27 July 2025
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Mas also noted there were six MLS games Friday night, less than 48 hours after an All-Star Game.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
26 July 2025
Verb
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The content and opinions expressed are solely those of the entities mentioned and/or quoted in this article and do not represent those of the publication.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
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Unexpectedly, he's been taking it upon himself to continue quoting verses, stepping into the role of a preacher.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specify. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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