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
Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 21 May 2025
But more commonly it's used to refer to the specific specialized planes — currently Boeing 747-200B models — outfitted with state-of-the-art communications and defense systems, along with lots of other (often highly classified) features.
—Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 21 May 2025
Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 May 2025
Currently, there are no specifics available regarding the size of area burned or the crew conducting the prescribed fire.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for specific
Adjective
The lakes’ specific shade of blue can be attributed to their glaciers; there are 300-plus here, more than anywhere else in the U.S. outside of Alaska.
—Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 21 May 2025
But more commonly it's used to refer to the specific specialized planes — currently Boeing 747-200B models — outfitted with state-of-the-art communications and defense systems, along with lots of other (often highly classified) features.
—Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 21 May 2025
Noun
The customer would likely end up paying fares for the first van, the train and the second van but those specifics need to negotiated.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 May 2025
Currently, there are no specifics available regarding the size of area burned or the crew conducting the prescribed fire.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for specific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific
Adjective
-
Monday is when scheduled events at the cemetery include a concert by the United States Marine Band and the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a parade of colors by Veterans’ organizations and remarks from special guests.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
So when most kids were enrolling in third grade, Alisa was enrolled in community college, as a special student, in spring 2023.—
Wendy Grossman Kantor,
People.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
As with early shōnen-ai, tales that explored explicit physical attraction between girls tended to end in tragedy.—
Vrai Kaiser,
Them.,
30 May 2025
-
What To Know The tech mogul entered politics last year with the explicit purpose of getting Trump elected for a second term as president, spending more than $75 million in the process.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Once again, these drugs are clearly marketed to CHILDREN.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
21 May 2025
-
Once again these drugs are clearly marketed to CHILDREN.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
There has been a change, but it has been driven by facts rather than ideology.—
James T. Kloppenberg,
Time,
28 May 2025
-
Gearing up business even more is the fact that 45% of K-12 schools are out for good this summer starting Friday.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
North York Moors National Park The low-growing vegetation characteristic of the Moors is gray-green, rust-brown, and even purple in places.—
Mike Nolan,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 2025
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From engaging with the rich tradition of equestrian fashion to exploring the nuanced world of Kentucky bourbon and even discovering the unique characteristics of Icelandic horses, Shelby County offers visitors an enriching few days in the Blue Grass State.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
That is the precise formula the Pacers had used defensively to eradicate the Milwaukee Bucks and Cavs and push the Knicks to the brink of elimination.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
-
No human prompts are needed with agentic AI, and each agent can be set to target precise goals.—
Tom Dunlop,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
There’s a definite purity-politics flavor to any suggestion that people should take a moral stand and leave a social network, but also a pretty airtight case to be made for boycotting it.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
23 May 2025
-
Having an outdoor dog or cat creates a definite warning for rabbits to stay away.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
After a decision comes down, Google is expected to file a request for a stay of the remedies.—
Jaclyn Diaz,
NPR,
30 May 2025
-
Hopefully, a remedy is finally on the way in the form of crossplay.—
David Jagneaux,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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