specialized

1 of 2

adjective

spe·​cial·​ized ˈspe-shə-ˌlīzd How to pronounce specialized (audio)
Synonyms of specializednext
1
: characterized by or exhibiting biological specialization
especially : highly differentiated especially in a particular direction or for a particular end
2
: designed, trained, or fitted for one particular purpose or occupation
specialized personnel

specialized

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of specialize

Synonyms of specialized

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Adjective

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Examples of specialized in a Sentence

Adjective specialized regions of the brain specialized gear for deep-sea fishing
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.
Adjective
And if removing the infection requires specialized firmware work, the burden lands on the person who bought the device. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Track mode takes the interface into more specialized territory. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 The trade association acknowledged Children’s Mercy’s importance in providing specialized pediatric care, but said ACA coverage must remain financially sustainable across Missouri’s health care system. — Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 Their efforts focus on dismantling measures supporting transgender populations, particularly by restricting gender-neutral bathroom access and slashing dedicated welfare programs and specialized healthcare services. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specialized

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialized was in 1852

Rhymes for specialized

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Browse Nearby Words

specialize
specialized
specializer
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Cite this Entry

“Specialized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialized. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

specialized

adjective
1
: characterized by or exhibiting biological specialization
2
: designed, trained, or fitted for one particular purpose or occupation
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