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Definition of particularnext
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particular

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective particular differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of particular are especial, individual, special, and specific. While all these words mean "of or relating to one thing or class," particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual.

a ballet step of particular difficulty

Where would especial be a reasonable alternative to particular?

While the synonyms especial and particular are close in meaning, especial may add implications of preeminence or preference.

a matter of especial importance

When is individual a more appropriate choice than particular?

The words individual and particular can be used in similar contexts, but individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group.

valued each individual opinion

When is it sensible to use special instead of particular?

Although the words special and particular have much in common, special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own.

special ingredients

When would specific be a good substitute for particular?

In some situations, the words specific and particular are roughly equivalent. However, specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species.

children with specific nutritional needs

How does the adjective particular differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of particular are especial, individual, special, and specific. While all these words mean "of or relating to one thing or class," particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual.

a ballet step of particular difficulty

Where would especial be a reasonable alternative to particular?

While the synonyms especial and particular are close in meaning, especial may add implications of preeminence or preference.

a matter of especial importance

When is individual a more appropriate choice than particular?

The words individual and particular can be used in similar contexts, but individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group.

valued each individual opinion

When is it sensible to use special instead of particular?

Although the words special and particular have much in common, special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own.

special ingredients

When would specific be a good substitute for particular?

In some situations, the words specific and particular are roughly equivalent. However, specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species.

children with specific nutritional needs

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 particular
Adjective
Critics say Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is hostile to Muslims in particular and borrows from the organization's Hindu nationalist ideology. Rob Schmitz, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026 What a night for the Missouri Tigers football program — the Mizzou defense, in particular. The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
Some have doubts about the particulars of Efstration’s bill. Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 25 Mar. 2026 Increasing relief award amount The council chose to increase the maximum rent relief award from $2,500 to $3,500, while keeping other particulars largely similar. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for particular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for particular
Adjective
  • Five is nice, but 17 straight is a dynasty unparalleled in City Section history.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Just the shops and the overall setting is really nice.
    Anne Kadet, Curbed, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Today, in the 2050s, quantum networks send information that protects our banks, power grids and personal identities.
    David Awschalom, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Beyond credit reports, certain services monitor other personal data that may be exposed in breaches or sold online.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But Lower Manhattan Community Middle School families and advocates said that proposal was not considered, with the city instead forging ahead with plans to open a selective high school that could screen out children during the admissions process.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Apply a Vinegar Solution Vinegar acts as a non-selective herbicide, killing foliage upon contact.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Scammers can repeat this process hundreds of times a day, building detailed profiles with very little effort.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The board approved the plan, but also is seeking a more detailed delineation of the affordable housing elements.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In addition to the popular breakfast items, Izzy’s Place also serves sandwiches, salads and side dishes.
    Jason Dill April 28, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Family photos, found items and pool cues from former lives line the entryway.
    Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The simple concept of three women sharing a unified bill on the road, in fact, was something they were deprived of for most of their careers within the indie-rock scene.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In fact, so many diners made that selection that the entire room carried the aroma of fish at one point.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Detecting such tiny numbers of atoms takes time, and the setup requires careful calibration and advanced equipment.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Many artists within this tradition went from seeking to imitate the beauty of the world to expressing their subjective experience.
    Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Advocacy journalism is a form of news in which reporters take an unapologetically subjective stance (albeit factual) to advance a social or political goal.
    Karen McIntyre, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Particular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/particular. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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