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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
Newsweek contacted Southwest Airlines for comment and specific pricing information via email on Friday outside of usual working hours. Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025 The specific flowers, shrubs and trees that are seasonally planted in the garden have also changed over time, sometimes out of necessity. Kyler Alvord, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
In this case, there is also significant background, somewhat different from our history with Europe, that bears in important ways on the specifics of the accord. Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025 But he would not be drawn on the specifics of any conversations. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 26 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
  • Seely is survived by numerous friends, family members, and her special cat, Corrie.
    Lauren Huff Published, EW.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • In addition to a photo of Long getting down on one knee in a gilded room and pulling out a ring, Jackson shared more flicks from the special moment on her Instagram Stories.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In moments of crisis or strategic recalibration, when explicit engagement may be too risky or politically untenable, conduct becomes the only available channel for credible signaling.
    Majeed Javdani, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • Some Republicans want to move on punishing Vladimir Putin, with or without the president’s explicit backing.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 28 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, Android is becoming a bit more like Chrome OS with the addition of desktop multitasking support, which will roll out in the coming months.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 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
  • The next part is the health aspect, making drugs that are clean and in knowable, understandable doses.
    Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The drug only prevents sweating in the injection area.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Kitchen measuring tools aren't as precise and can lead to taking too much or too little.2 2.
    Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025
  • Solutions like these transform lengthy, technical text into a streamlined workflow where AI suggests precise actions, enabling faster, more strategic decisions and blurring the lines between content and service.
    Google Ads, Forbes.com, 29 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
  • Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald offered more details, stating that Phillips attempted to jog following the injury, but was in too much discomfort.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025
  • State officials are expected to share new details Aug. 1 about Indiana's ongoing collaboration with federal authorities in executing President Donald Trump's plan for mass deportations.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 2 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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