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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
The governing body did not respond to specific questions about ticketing strategies by press time. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 13 June 2025 For each position, highlight specific wins and impact. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
The two women discuss the situation on hand and cut a deal, the specifics of which neither make sense nor matter in any tangible way. Tomris Laffly, Variety, 11 June 2025 But while the team hasn’t shared specifics as of now, the Missouri plan wouldn’t just hand the team a blank check. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
  • Seeing her husband again after such a long time, and after completing her countdown on the doorbell camera, was a special moment for Jimmi.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
  • The strong French presence was also the result of a special collaboration between the French Institute in Spain, ECAM, and the TV market Conecta Fiction & Entertainment to bring select number of French producers to Madrid and follow up Conecta market next week in the nearby Spanish city of Cuenca.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • The study exposed fundamental limitations in exact computation, revealing that these systems fail to use explicit algorithms and reason inconsistently across similar puzzles.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Other insiders agreed, but argued permitting reform and more explicit federal support will be needed first.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Other dangers loom as well, including reductions in disproportionate share hospital payments for safety-net hospitals, declines in medicare reimbursements, and changes in drug pricing that could negatively impact hospitals.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • The drug possession charge carries a maximum term of 20 years in federal prison on each count and each of the other charges carry a maximum of 15 years in federal prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Still, the fact of remembering can sometimes feel more important to Dyer than how events translate.
    Daniel Felsenthal, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • The fact that gender-equity claims could be brought against schools that unequally distribute revenue among men and women who play sports does not necessarily mean those cases would succeed.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 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
  • The precise combination reproduces highly detailed and accurate sound.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Lawyers for Smith countered that the Supreme Court has previously said there’s no precise math equation for determining an intellectual disability.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 7 June 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
  • If Zeigler could play a fifth season as a grad student, other players in his position could seek the same remedy, which would mean some incoming freshmen or incoming transfers lose their roster spots.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 June 2025
  • However, experts pointed to potential remedies—some easy, others not—that could limit the exposure to workplace stress to the benefit of employees and employers.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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