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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 association is advocating for the creation of a specific home care visa to help ease the worker shortage. Tami Luhby, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025 Simply send the specific link via Messages, Notes, Mail, AirDrop, and more. Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
Kevin Tully, Chief Public Defender for Mecklenburg County, wouldn’t speak on many of the specifics of Perkins’ case, but agreed that the one word difference in the statute would allow someone like him to be held indefinitely. Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025 The mission, specifics for which will remain under wraps until the film premieres, involves Philippa grappling with her past. Nick Romano, EW.com, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for specific 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
  • Wishing you all the love and joy in the world on this special day.
    Anna Moeslein, Parents, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Trump was indicted himself on charges linked to the Jan. 6 insurrection that tried to stop Congress’ certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential victory, but those charges were later dismissed by special counsel Jack Smith after Trump reclaimed the presidency in last November’s election.
    Michael Wilner, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The footage shows Caldwell calling the nearby Packers fans vulgar and sexist names, while taunting the man accompanying her with explicit gestures.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025
  • But engaging with those properties could mean putting even more money into her pocket and represent an explicit affirmation of her rancorous positions.
    Glen Weldon, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The infamous dark web marketplace served as a global hub for illicit drug sales that prosecutors said had contributed to the death of at least six people.
    MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Designating certain cartels as Foreign Terror Organizations Trump made good on his campaign pledge to designate certain drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a move specifically aimed at groups such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.
    Brett Samuels, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, the next four leading point collectors on the roster are all below zero in goal differential.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • In fact, of more than 83,000 flu samples tested within the past year, just three cases were detected.
    Erika Edwards, NBC News, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • All in all, the benefits of companion plants really boil down to the individual growing characteristics of the plants incorporated, how each of those plants interacts with their growing environment, and how other plants can utilize those characteristics and interactions.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025
  • This is definitely the characteristic of Desolas, as there is barely the faintest whiff of smoke.
    Richard Carleton Hacker, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The precise cash amount of this week’s arrangement has not been made public.
    Martin Rogers, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The manufacturing process of the DMA range begins with taking precise silicone ear impressions of the customer’s ears.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • PostTrak exits are 4 1/2 stars with a 62% definite recommend for the turnout, which leaned 51% female and 63% over 45 turnout.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The injury is a definite setback, though, and this wasn’t a positive year for him before it.
    Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Combining these treatments with lifestyle changes and natural remedies may increase effectiveness—and leave you with a clear complexion in no time.
    Amanda Svachula, Health, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Some TikTokers swear by a hangover remedy called DHM (dihydromyricetin), a flavonoid found in several plants native to Asia.
    John Loeppky, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near specific

Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on specific

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