SPECIFIC Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

specific 1 of 2

adjective

spi-ˈsi-fik

Definition of specific

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

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

specific

2 of 2

noun

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

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

as in drug

a substance or preparation used to treat disease quinine is a specific for malaria

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

If anything, how this specific deal came together is an example of why this method of roster building has worked so well for the Dodgers. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Name the cost, ask the real question, and let fairness be specific, not implied. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026

Noun

Since then, there have been a few nuggets about the nuptials made public as the guests are, for the most part, keeping their mouths shut on the specifics. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026 Allen, who now works in the business world, would pull him to one side after training to ask him specifics about their position. — Andy Jones, New York Times, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for specific

Recent Examples of Synonyms for specific

Adjective

That’s a special achievement at Goodwood, which in person feels exclusive but not quite exclusionary.

— Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs and special teams have already been announced.

— Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of special

Adjective

In reality, execution is built on clear ownership, protected time for focused work and explicit permission to disconnect.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
While his exhortation left off Brady’s signature profane intensifier, the motivational gambit remained explicit even in the absence of the familiar F-bomb.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of explicit

Noun

Some of the crowd’s energy Friday may have been due to the fact that training camp practices are closed this summer because of construction at the team’s practice facility in uptown Charlotte.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Fans should embrace the fact that there’s been no bad news through the first three days of practice.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of fact

Noun

Additionally, the breast cancer characteristics of some participants were unknown, which may have affected the data.

— Versha Pleasant, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
The companies will assess the batteries’ performance, reliability, safety, and charging characteristics under everyday driving conditions.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026

Definition of characteristic

Noun

If a clinic is compounding its own drugs, ask whether that’s done at the clinic or through a licensed, inspected compounding pharmacy.

— Carrie Teegardin, AJC.com, 29 July 2026
The narrative then jumps forward to a time in the distant future in a segregated Britain, where Black people are condemned to a ghetto riddled with drugs and ruled by gangs.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 July 2026

Definition of drug

Adjective

In the secondary, DaRon Bland and Cobie Durant handled the outside corner responsibilities, and both held their own despite Prescott having mostly a pretty precise afternoon throwing the football.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
The story was written in the aftermath of 1947, but the precise date of the first Bengali publication is uncertain.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026

Definition of precise

Adjective

The Mets, unlike Chapman’s surging Red Sox, are definite sellers.

— The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Music, Fashion, Film is a definite left-turn from the pop provocateur’s recent work, but its earnest blend of cheek and vulnerability is Charli through and through.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026

Definition of definite

Noun

That extra size collects far more light, sharpens detail (especially on planets) and gives brighter views of fainter deep sky objects.

— Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Gaining access to your password is more complicated than using AI to decrypt your account details, experts say.

— Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of detail

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Style

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specific. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of specific

adjective

noun

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