specialized

adjective

spe·​cial·​ized ˈspe-shə-ˌlīzd How to pronounce specialized (audio)
Synonyms of specializednext
1
: characterized by or exhibiting biological specialization
especially : highly differentiated especially in a particular direction or for a particular end
2
: designed, trained, or fitted for one particular purpose or occupation
specialized personnel

Synonyms of specialized

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Examples of specialized in a Sentence

specialized regions of the brain specialized gear for deep-sea fishing
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The technology, presented at an industry conference in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, converts ordinary coal into premium carbon materials through a specialized coal liquefaction process. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026 Companies like Hyperice democratize elite recovery technology, while KANE Footwear offers specialized post-exertion shoes. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Reinforcements brought the deployment to 420 firefighters, including 20 specialized forest-fire teams, backed by 19 aircraft and 11 helicopters. — Thomas Adamson, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026 The operation also included specialized forest fire teams, crews temporarily deployed from France and Romania, 19 water-dropping planes and 11 helicopters. — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specialized

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialized was in 1852

Rhymes for specialized

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Browse Nearby Words

specialize
specialized
specializer
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Cite this Entry

“Specialized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialized. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

specialized

adjective
1
: characterized by or exhibiting biological specialization
2
: designed, trained, or fitted for one particular purpose or occupation

More from Merriam-Webster on specialized

Nglish: Translation of specialized for Spanish Speakers

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