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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
Illinois voters do not register with a specific party, so the new pope's political affiliation in the United States has not been formally documented. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 9 May 2025 Molds belong to the kingdom of Fungi and is a specific form of fungi that grow filament structures known as hyphae. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
Republicans also said the cuts are geared toward preventing Medicaid abuse, though the specifics remain unclear. Samantha Brown, NBC news, 6 May 2025 During an April 21 hearing in federal court, Judge Federico A. Moreno pushed for more details as to the specifics of the allegations against Méndez. Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
  • Not every table gets it, though — it’s provided to tables celebrating special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
    Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
  • My mom made every holiday feel special, but Mother’s Day was always hers.
    Mara Martin, Parents, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Bear in mind that this was made in 1936, so don’t expect anything super explicit.
    James Factora, Them., 2 May 2025
  • But the original story, which follows a married woman embarking on a scandalous affair with the estate’s gamekeeper, was so explicit that it was actually banned as pornography until 1960.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Married since 2013, the couple started trying for their fourth baby with the help of fertility drugs.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • With an intensive course of anti-tuberculosis antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory drug, the man's symptoms gradually began to ease.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • In fact, the pair seemingly met at a birthday party for Blake Lively's daughter a month before their romance went public.
    Glamour, Glamour, 4 May 2025
  • In fact, the final galleries, which explore the Titanic’s legacy and the maritime safety improvements that followed, offer a valuable sense of perspective and progress.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Noun
  • Titan shows all the characteristics of a planet – including rivers, lakes, clouds, rain and even a salty subsurface ocean.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • Rebecca’s wholehearted characteristics and attributes connect her to the Water sign Pisces, who takes on problems with others due to their absorbance and empathetic nature.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • While the Trump administration is defending the ACA law in the case in question, should the federal government win, the precise shape preventive care coverage requirements will take depends on the discretion of Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • In addition to the strap and crown’s quick release system, the bezel has a precise position alignment snaps into place with one click.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Seafood Courses The eight courses begin with an amuse-bouche containing definite New York touches including a King Salmon Everything Bagel plus a suggestion of a smash burger but composed of the fatty tuna Otoro, egg yolk gelee and Choux pastry and an A5 Wagyu & Hokkaido Uni Sando.
    Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • The auto speaks to a definite sense of nostalgia about a time four decades ago but has also been updated to become more user- and driver-friendly.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • As part of the remedy, GM dealers will inspect and, if needed, repair or replace the engine.
    Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • During testimony in federal court in Washington, Pichai asserted that a package of antitrust remedies proposed by the government is too extreme and will undermine Google’s ability to compete in the market.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

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