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 drug
a substance or preparation used to treat disease
quinine is a specific for malaria
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
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
3
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of specific
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
As an adult, these can take the form of remembering specific events, like watching a sports match or taking a vacation.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 21 Mar. 2025
Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 18 Mar. 2025
President Trump has enjoyed some of his highest approval ratings in the early days of his second term — though the specifics of his aggressive policies have begun to irk Americans in recent polling.
—Mike Allen, Axios, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specific
Adjective
Consumption of sucrose-water rewires macronutrient uptake and utilization mechanisms in a tissue specific manner
Before joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
As an adult, these can take the form of remembering specific events, like watching a sports match or taking a vacation.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
An agency spokesperson said the family’s account was inaccurate but declined to provide specifics.
—Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 18 Mar. 2025
President Trump has enjoyed some of his highest approval ratings in the early days of his second term — though the specifics of his aggressive policies have begun to irk Americans in recent polling.
—Mike Allen, Axios, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
-
Photos and videos: Family photos, vacation videos, special events like weddings or graduations and other personal memories that cannot be recreated.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Aside from all the market fun, there are other draws, like free yoga classes at sunrise, live music, food demonstrations, and other special events.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Some businesses made their Southern roots explicit in their advertising.—
Kendra D. Boyd,
The Conversation,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Rather than passing explicit judgment, the film provides a meditation on human dominance and the ethical dilemmas of our interactions with other species.—
Lise Pedersen,
Variety,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Drug dealers mix fentanyl, because of its potency and low cost, with other drugs including heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine, which increases the likelihood of a fatal dose, according to the DEA.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacramento Bee,
22 Mar. 2025
-
President Claudia Sheinbaum early this month stressed that to stop the flow of drugs into the United States, the U.S. must address gun smuggling.—
Michael Loria,
USA TODAY,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In fact, sources have told me that the PACCARB has already been disbanded.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
-
Third, there is the mere fact of these top officials deciding whether and when to execute attacks authorized by the president.—
Dakota Rudesill,
The Conversation,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
To pick some specific characteristics, no two athletes are going to have identical muscle constructions, bone densities, leg lengths, centres of gravity, tendon strength, foot-size or foot arches.—
Liam Tharme,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Each impart different characteristics due to their distinct wood grain and chemical compositions.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Inference models now have the capability to process at much greater scale, leading to more precise actions and greater volume, which in turn leads to higher-value use cases.—
Jason Andersen,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
-
At her best, Gaga has all the wit, humor, and precise emotional control of the great jazz vocalists.—
Kristen S. Hé,
Vulture,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Your provider may order laboratory tests to make a definite diagnosis.—
Laura Schober,
Health,
7 Mar. 2025
-
The bottom line: There is still a strong push to regulate tech more strongly in D.C., and some definite throughlines from Biden to Trump on antitrust.—
Ashley Gold,
Axios,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The National Immigrant Justice Center and the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois filed a motion in Chicago’s U.S. District Court Thursday seeking the release of two people still detained and the enforcement of remedies to prevent unlawful arrests by ICE.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2025
-
Capital One and Discover are rebounding from Monday’s decline as investors weigh the possibility of remedies if, in fact, the Department of Justice tries to block the merger.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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