1
as in to define
to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly
the document specifies precisely how you may use the information it contains
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to mention
to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically
police reports didn't specify the model of car the robbers were driving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of specify
Neither the readout from the Kremlin nor China’s Foreign Ministry specified whether the war in Ukraine was discussed during Tuesday’s call between Putin and Xi.
—
Simone McCarthy, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025
The budget airline updated its contract of carriage to specify the types of clothing and tattoos that may not be allowed on board.
—Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
Her death was announced by Pace Gallery, which did not specify a cause.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 22 Jan. 2025
In 2023, there was one incident of unruly passenger behavior for every 480 flights compared to one for every 568 flights in 2022, the trade association said, without specifying how many of these incidents involved alcohol.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for specify 
Simone McCarthy, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025
The budget airline updated its contract of carriage to specify the types of clothing and tattoos that may not be allowed on board.
—Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
Her death was announced by Pace Gallery, which did not specify a cause.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 22 Jan. 2025
In 2023, there was one incident of unruly passenger behavior for every 480 flights compared to one for every 568 flights in 2022, the trade association said, without specifying how many of these incidents involved alcohol.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for specify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specify
Verb
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He’ll ultimately be defined, though, by his ability to continue to wait for plays to develop and stay cerebral as the speed of the level around him ramps up.—
Scott Wheeler,
The Athletic,
20 Jan. 2025
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With a Republican trifecta, conservatives have a unique opportunity to define what pro-family and pro-life governance truly means.—
Daniel Darling,
National Review,
20 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Denver Nuggets tied to potential Zach LaVine trade Zach LaVine’s name is sure to be mentioned repeatedly between now and the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Jan. 2025
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Not to mention infinite 50-50 ones everyone sees through their own lens.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Depending on the diagnosis, a healthcare provider can prescribe an individualized treatment plan, including medication or other dietary changes specific to your gut health situation.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Health,
24 Jan. 2025
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Zoom in: Midi Health — which raised $63 million in September from investors including Tory Burch and Amy Schumer — is virtually connecting patients to providers who can prescribe hormone therapy, supplements, and lifestyle hacks.—
Tina Reed,
Axios,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Per the Times, which at the time cited trial testimony, Walker was accused of taking a pair of sunglasses from the store before the owner asked the NYPD officer to investigate.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
25 Jan. 2025
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Reuters, citing a person with knowledge of the matter, reported that Trump ordered the termination of 17 inspectors general, although the White House has not issued an official announcement.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In the fall of 2022, Kohn went to a dermatologist after noticing lines form on his head.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
18 Jan. 2025
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Allergies acting up: Homeowners who are sensitive to dust, pollen, or animal hair may notice their allergies acting up before anything else.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Some studies indicate that smoke’s contaminants can effectively bypass the skin barrier altogether.—
Jessica Ourisman,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
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In San Diego, a 2023 report indicated that the majority of people in county jails had previously experienced homelessness.—
Aaron Leibowitz,
Miami Herald,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Maher, who expressed support for Gaetz's denial, noted that if there had been evidence, the Justice Department would have acted.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
27 Jan. 2025
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Social media users noted the similarities between the two men, with people insisting that Franco portray the 26-year-old University of Pennsylvania graduate in whatever future show or movie was produced about his alleged crime.—
Caroline Thayer,
Fox News,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In 2022 three wealthy businessmen paid $55 million each for a ride aboard a SpaceX rocket that took them to the ISS—a figure that’s a lot closer to the 70 billion KRW amount quoted in the K-drama.—
Regina Kim,
Forbes,
15 Jan. 2025
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Hegseth was pushed out of the group over his alcohol abuse on the job, according to three sources quoted in the story.—
James Powel,
USA TODAY,
14 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near specify
Cite this Entry
“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specify. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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