specify

verb

ˈspe-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce specify (audio)
Definition of specifynext
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

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 specify In September, her campaign criticized Tafoya’s sports stance without specifying how Flanagan would vote on federal restrictions. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 The documents provided, for instance, do not specify the type or material of the wedding ring found among Moore’s belongings. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Meta spokesperson Devi Narasimhan told The Verge that the Instagram test is live in a handful of countries, but didn’t specify which. — Mia Sato, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026 The California Highway Patrol's Stockton office said there were minor injuries but did not specify who was hurt. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specify
  1. define
  2. mention
  3. prescribe
  4. cite
  5. notice
  6. indicate
  7. note
  8. quote
Verb
  • Introduced in 1962, Carlo Riva’s shapely mahogany runabout had become boating’s ultimate status symbol, marrying flawless craftsmanship and twin-V-8 power with styling that defined la dolce vita.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • They’re now faced with the daunting task of further defining distinct identities for multiple WB labels like New Line and Clockwork.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of define
Verb
  • Donald is effectively taking on the gig first mentioned to Deadline earlier this year by global productions chief Matt Forde, although at that point the role was more solely focused on scouting IP.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
  • But Rankin does mention a thuggish figure named Kodama Yoshio, who worked for Japanese spy agencies in China while trading in narcotics and smuggled goods.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of mention
Verb
  • For folks who test positive for the virus, medication is quickly prescribed free of charge through the National Health Service.
    — Philip A. Chan, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
  • As more telehealth sites prescribe these medications and pitch them as a way to lose weight while saving money, some patient advocates argue that more people like Kinkade will fall through the cracks of a broken regulatory system.
    — Alana Semuels, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of prescribe
Verb
  • The agency cited a local news story, whose source for its reporting was an X post from conservative activist and social media influencer Scott Presler.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Some 40% of Gen Z respondents cited family as their route into collecting, compared with 28% overall.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of cite
Verb
  • In the early 1980s, while researching his screenplay of Scarface in Miami, Oliver noticed not only the rise of cocaine, but of a young, emerging millionaire class.
    — Michael Douglas, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
  • General Daily Insight for October 08, 2026 Today favors noticing what could work better without turning every imperfection into a crisis.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of notice
Verb
  • Dash clues are used to indicate that their entries are part of a larger gimmick.
    — Sam Corbin, New York Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Red indicates an address is unsafe to enter, while yellow restricts use.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of indicate
Verb
  • That’s a playwright’s wrestling match that, as my colleague Sara Holdren noted recently, doesn’t need an audience.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Donald noted that the Rams had pass-rushing success in the last few years without him or Garrett.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of note
Verb
  • Step Back Unlike stocks and bonds, whose prices are quoted on screens across Wall Street, managers of private lenders have broad leeway to value their loans, with varying degrees of input from third-party services.
    — Ellen DiMauro, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • In several messages quoted in the ruling, Seaver allegedly threatened Nozell and other people connected to Parton’s estate.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of quote

Browse Nearby Words

specifies
specify
specifying
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of deportment

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All