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 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
2
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
3
as in drug
a substance or preparation used to treat disease
quinine is a specific for malaria
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of specific
Chris Ware, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Yet 19% to 20% of the residents in the Arizona suburbs that were analyzed reported occasional heavy alcohol use, with some of those results coming from county surveys rather than those tied to specific suburbs.
—Russ Wiles, AZCentral.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Jillian Frankel, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Getting into the specifics, Arougheti says that the scene needed an artist pumping the heart and another artist pumping the lungs.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specific
Adjective
Petty’s covers are defined by specific people—indeed, by a specific family, the Peabodys, who are recognizable by their faces and their moneyed social position, as well as by a peculiar loneliness.
—Chris Ware, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Yet 19% to 20% of the residents in the Arizona suburbs that were analyzed reported occasional heavy alcohol use, with some of those results coming from county surveys rather than those tied to specific suburbs.
—Russ Wiles, AZCentral.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
Without providing specifics, the department said on Friday, June 27, that Rhodes' case was still under active investigation and again pleaded for tips from the public.
—Jillian Frankel, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Getting into the specifics, Arougheti says that the scene needed an artist pumping the heart and another artist pumping the lungs.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
-
The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a year-long celebration featuring special shows, tours, and artist debuts.—
Audrey Gibbs,
The Tennessean,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Some items have been added to showcase Gravelle’s Bronco style, such as the special sticker with the Appalachian Mountains landscape that graces the glove box and usually gets the most comments from first-time passengers.—
Eric D. Lawrence,
Freep.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The White House has so far been reluctant to make explicit promises, with Politico reporting that a top US official told transatlantic military leaders that Washington would play a minimal role in any European plan.—
Semafor Staff,
semafor.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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What to know In the EU and U.S. joint statement posted by both the European Commission and the White House on Aug. 21, there is no explicit mention or protection of spirits, leaving these products unprotected from future trade war attacks from either entity.—
Olivia Evans,
The Courier-Journal,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In fact, use the formula to come up with several different combinations.—
Ralph D. Russo,
New York Times,
20 Aug. 2025
-
In fact, virtually every female character is colored by the legacy of toxic males: pervy pastors, deadbeat dads, abusive boyfriends, murderous cretins.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
American and overseas clinicians routinely use them to determine the best contraceptive methods for persons with certain characteristics or health conditions.—
Arthur L. Kellermann,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
This investigation aims to uncover characteristics of 3I/ATLAS, including its size, physical properties, and, importantly, its chemical makeup.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
New tariffs on America’s trading partners, for example, are expected to push up the cost of drugs and medical supplies.—
Elisabeth Rosenthal,
Miami Herald,
25 Aug. 2025
-
This time, the same drugs — both the opioid mimic and the naloxone — had no effect.—
Ari Daniel,
NPR,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Faster, more precise and accessible life-saving diagnoses, all without invasive procedures or excessive costs.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
But some experts say the clarification bills don’t offer doctors much security, because some obstetric emergencies may not meet the laws’ precise legal language.—
Olga Khazan,
The Atlantic,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
But too much interference comes with definite downsides.—
Meagan Francis,
The Atlantic,
26 Aug. 2025
-
On the Democratic side, the list of definite or expected candidates includes Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and state Sen. Kelda Roys.—
Craig Gilbert,
jsonline.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In that case, a judge has ordered McMullen to explain the details of his resignation, which may later be revealed in court records.—
Alexander Coolidge,
USA Today,
14 Aug. 2025
-
In a travel landscape where nearly every detail can be planned, controlled, and optimized, a quiet countertrend is emerging—one that celebrates the unknown.—
Ashley Kennedy,
Robb Report,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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