specify

1 of 2

verb

spec·​i·​fy ˈspe-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce specify (audio)
specified; specifying
Synonyms of specifynext

transitive verb

1
: to name or state explicitly or in detail
2
: to include as an item in a specification
specifiable
ˌspe-sə-ˈfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce specify (audio)
adjective
specifier
ˈspe-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce specify (audio)
noun

specifier

2 of 2

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​er ˈspesəˌfī(ə)r How to pronounce specifier (audio)
-īə
plural -s
: one that specifies (as by giving details or particulars)
especially : a person who draws up specifications (as for obtaining a patent)

Synonyms of specify

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Verb

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Examples of specify in a Sentence

Verb 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
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.
Verb
However, the agreement does not yet specify the humanoid model that will be used for the new logistics applications, the exact logistics tasks to be tested, the number of robots involved, or a timetable for routine deployment. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026 OpenAI shared a portion of its internal memo to employees, sent by its research leaders, with Fortune—presumably penned by Mark Chen, chief research officer, though the company did not specify. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026 The statement did not specify the details, and the ministry said the two sides would next meet again in January by video conference and then in person in March. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 The resolution does not specify a schedule for inserting discrete one-hour corrections. — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specify

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English specifien, from Anglo-French specifier, from Late Latin specificare, from specificus

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specify was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing specify

Rhymes for specify

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Browse Nearby Words

specifier
specify
specimen
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Cite this Entry

“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specify. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

specify

verb
spec·​i·​fy ˈspes-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce specify (audio)
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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