specialized

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

Synonyms of specialized

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Examples of specialized in a Sentence

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.
The owners credit a specialized mason for the rest of the stonework. — David Caraccio updated July 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026 The light is produced by specialized organs beneath the abdomen that take in oxygen. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026 The firm intends to sell specialized engineering services that utilize digital process models. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026 At 32 years old, Jessica Pegula has figured something out about playing on grass, tennis’s most specialized surface that happens to host its most important Grand Slam. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for specialized

Word History

First Known Use

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 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on specialized

Nglish: Translation of specialized for Spanish Speakers

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