1
as in to define
to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly
the document specifies precisely how you may use the information it contains
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to mention
to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically
police reports didn't specify the model of car the robbers were driving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of specify
Authorities have not yet specified a motive in the shooting.
—
David Brennan, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
While Berkshire has generally not specified who buys specific stocks in the portfolio, Combs has been thought to favor technology and financials.
—Alex Crippen, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2026
The official, who spoke on behalf of the board on condition of anonymity, did not specify what progress had been made in talks.
—Matt Bradley, NBC news, 25 Apr. 2026
The marathon race organizer did not specify the actions.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for specify
David Brennan, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
While Berkshire has generally not specified who buys specific stocks in the portfolio, Combs has been thought to favor technology and financials.
—Alex Crippen, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2026
The official, who spoke on behalf of the board on condition of anonymity, did not specify what progress had been made in talks.
—Matt Bradley, NBC news, 25 Apr. 2026
The marathon race organizer did not specify the actions.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for specify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specify
Verb
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But Friday was the collapse that may define their season.—
Dan Woike,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Our world will continue to evolve rapidly — but the enduring values that define a person should not.—
Peter Folan,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Tom Brady, LeBron James and Lindsey Vonn were mentioned by Felix during the interview.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
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Suzuki himself mentioned after Game 2 that his line will need to produce at five-on-five for the Canadiens to have a chance to win the series.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That doctor, records show, lost his license two years later for recklessly prescribing Purdue drugs and other opioids.—
Craig R. McCoy,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
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Speak with your doctor, who may prescribe high dose supplements, to get you back on track.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In April 2025, the State Department upgraded El Salvador’s travel advisory to its highest level, citing a drop in violent crimes and murders.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
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Hector DelaTorres, another planning board member, cited the other tall buildings that are either under construction nearby or already standing.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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January 20 – February 18 Your voice stands out today, and people are noticing.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
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Aquarius January 20 – February 18 Your voice stands out today, and people are noticing.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Court filings from separate litigation indicate Khiell Dukes is Dukes’ brother and Ramsey is the rapper’s half-brother.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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This strategic move is backed by internal DressX’s own data, which indicates that users who engage with virtual try-on features see a tenfold increase in conversion rates compared to those who do not.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Deborah Courtney drove more than two hours from from Jacksonville and noted that all citizen speakers expressed opposition.—
Bill Barrow,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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The spokesperson noted that the pilot had completed all mandatory medical examinations in compliance with regulatory requirements and held a Class I medical certification.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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One online commenter said he’s been quoted around $13,000 to comply with Berkeley’s stricter version of Zone Zero.—
Noah Haggerty,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Internet access will only be restored after the war ends, the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported earlier this week, quoting Elias Hazrati, the head of Iran’s Government Information Council.—
Alayna Treene,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specify. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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