specify
verb
spec·i·fy
ˈspe-sə-ˌfī 
specified; specifying
1
: to name or state explicitly or in detail
2
: to include as an item in a specification
Examples of specify in a Sentence
Can you specify the cause of the argument?
Specify the color and quantity when you order.
He clearly specified California wine.
The instructions do not specify what kind of screws to use.
All subscriptions are for one year unless otherwise specified.
At the specified time, we rang the bell.
She agreed to the terms specified in the contract.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rodríguez did not specify how much of the $240 corresponds to base salary — which determines pensions, severance and other labor benefits — and how much comes from discretionary bonuses that do not count toward long-term compensation.
—
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
While survey respondents did not specify what made the Naperville-to-Chicago commute especially draining, the study did find that distance is not necessarily what wears workers down the most.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
As for the event itself, Biles didn’t specify which red carpet outing this was for.
—Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Dubose did not specify whether this criticism was directed at Gomez and his attorneys or attorneys representing ICE and DHS.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for specify
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Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
While survey respondents did not specify what made the Naperville-to-Chicago commute especially draining, the study did find that distance is not necessarily what wears workers down the most.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
As for the event itself, Biles didn’t specify which red carpet outing this was for.
—Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Dubose did not specify whether this criticism was directed at Gomez and his attorneys or attorneys representing ICE and DHS.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for specify
Cite this Entry
“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specify. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
specify
verb
spec·i·fy
ˈspes-ə-ˌfī
specified; specifying
1
: to name or mention exactly and clearly
specify the cause
2
: to include in a specification
specify oak flooring
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