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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
Overall, the plans focus on land use, design, mobility and open space for the needs of its specific community. Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025 Sosa added that state law requires specific intent by the public employee to knowingly misuse public funds. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
Subramaniam did not elaborate on the specifics of FedEx’s investment, but the package delivery firm has recently been making more moves that will undoubtedly grow the company’s footprint in the market. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 1 Apr. 2025 The real challenge for Isaacs, rather, comes from trying to articulate the specifics of inhabiting this — or any — character. Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
  • What makes her special is that while in the NCAA, Nugent frequently competed in the 100-meter hurdles and 100-meter dash, earning several All-American honors in both events.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • What made this moment truly special was the surprise visit from Ingram’s grandma, which left the new mom in tears.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Their strong sense of preparedness and diligence often brings greater discipline to board discussions, prompting more thoughtful questions and more explicit expectations.
    Committee of 200, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Duffy first sought to end the toll in February, declaring that his department had revoked a key federal authorization granted by the Biden administration last year — despite explicit guidelines in the authorization that only the state of New York can reverse it.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • These are difficult times for drug discovery and manufacturing.
    Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Sheen made headlines in the mid-2010s for hardcore drug use, rehab stints, legal issues, outbursts, on-set antics and multiple romantic entanglements.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, McGlamry says, it wasn’t referenced in any prior pleadings.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Thursday’s episode finally reveals the truth: Avery is not, in fact, pregnant!
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • These are clones of individual grape varieties that have been bred to ensure certain characteristics, such as resistance to specific diseases.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Overall, the analyst is bullish on EPD stock and views it as a core master limited partnership holding, having both offensive and defensive characteristics.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The precise extent of the cancellations and the specific products affected remain unclear.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • May For almost a decade, Four Horsemen has sustained a ferocious following for its precise and creative small plates, airy interior, and interesting natural wines.
    Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While some bags can go in the washer, the dryer is a definite no-go for bags unless they're made of 100% cotton.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2025
  • But there are definite positives for Tsunoda to take before going to Bahrain next week.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Moreover, tariffs are not an effective remedy for trade imbalances, according to Jason Furman, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Water activities are the perfect remedy to the sweaty season and some South Florida waterparks are beginning to reopen, while many others remain closed until the summer.
    Martin Vassolo, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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