PARTICULAR Synonyms: 237 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'particular' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of particular are especial , individual , special , and specific . While all these words mean "of or relating to one thing or class," particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual. // a ballet step of particular difficulty

Q: Where would 'especial' be a reasonable alternative to 'particular'?

While the synonyms especial and particular are close in meaning, especial may add implications of preeminence or preference. // a matter of especial importance

Q: When is 'individual' a more appropriate choice than 'particular'?

The words individual and particular can be used in similar contexts, but individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group. // valued each individual opinion

Q: When is it sensible to use 'special' instead of 'particular'?

Although the words special and particular have much in common, special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own. // special ingredients

Q: When would 'specific' be a good substitute for 'particular'?

In some situations, the words specific and particular are roughly equivalent. However, specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species. // children with specific nutritional needs

particular 1 of 2

adjective

pər-ˈti-kyə-lər

Definition of particular

as in nice

hard to please she's very particular about the cleanliness of her car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in personal

of, relating to, or belonging to a single person that particular mug is Mike's

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in selective

tending to select carefully he's particular about the corn he buys

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in detailed

including many small descriptive features a very particular account of the breakdown of their marriage from the husband's perspective

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

particular

2 of 2

noun

as in item

a separate part in a list, account, or series requested a bill of particulars for the care he received in the hospital

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fact

a single piece of information everyone wanted to know all the particulars about the forthcoming merger

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective particular differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of particular are especial, individual, special, and specific. While all these words mean "of or relating to one thing or class," particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual.

a ballet step of particular difficulty

Where would especial be a reasonable alternative to particular?

While the synonyms especial and particular are close in meaning, especial may add implications of preeminence or preference.

a matter of especial importance

When is individual a more appropriate choice than particular?

The words individual and particular can be used in similar contexts, but individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group.

valued each individual opinion

When is it sensible to use special instead of particular?

Although the words special and particular have much in common, special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own.

special ingredients

When would specific be a good substitute for particular?

In some situations, the words specific and particular are roughly equivalent. However, specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species.

children with specific nutritional needs

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 particular

Adjective

Of particular note is JetZero’s announcement that the aircraft will be built primarily from composite materials. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026 And Ormund Hightower appears to be very capable at this particular game, which should come as no surprise given Otto was his uncle and the Hightowers are wildly rich and powerful. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

Noun

But the premise and particulars provide enough novelty to keep you hooked, and their brilliant chemistry enlivens their 19th century scenario with big, hearty laughs. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 June 2026 But Maine and Alaska are these outlying states, very different than the rest of the map, based off of media market, based off of incumbency and the particulars of the states. — ABC News, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for particular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for particular

Adjective

Quince This matching set feels especially nice on warm nights, thanks to its naturally cooling bamboo viscose material.

— Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Worth checking out The Nest Fragrances Reed Diffuser will keep your bathroom smelling nice with 21 lush scents, including lemon and mint, apricot tea, ginger and vanilla bean, ocean mist and sea salt, grapefruit and more.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 6 July 2026

Definition of nice

Adjective

While varsity teams are part of the official National Collegiate Athletic Association program, and as such are highly selective and university-funded, club teams are student-run, relying on fundraising and fees and offer far less exposure.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Despite taking cost-saving actions, including a selective hiring freeze for non-uniformed positions, overtime restrictions, spending reductions, and travel suspensions, General Fund expenses still outpace revenue.

— Briauna Brown, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Definition of selective

Adjective

Attached to it is a giant camera capable of capturing a new, detailed image roughly every 40 seconds, combining speed, sensitivity and an exceptionally wide field of view unmatched by any other ground- or space-based telescope.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
At Moderna's Science Day last Thursday, Cramer said the company presented a detailed roadmap for the next decade that highlighted its growing cancer pipeline alongside newer vaccine programs beyond its Covid franchise.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 1 July 2026

Definition of detailed

Noun

Add the question marks surrounding Rodón to the fact that Fried (elbow bone bruise) doesn’t seem likely to return for at least a few more weeks.

— Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 5 July 2026
This ignores the obvious fact that the Constitution prohibits Congress from giving official status to any religion or from preventing someone from practicing the religion of their choice.

— Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of fact

Adjective

In soccer, the line between a yellow and a red card can be subjective, depending on the referee working the game that day and his or her interpretation of the play.

— Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
The Dolphins assuredly would rank in the bottom third of the league in the subjective category of talent.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Definition of subjective

Cite this Entry

Style

“Particular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/particular. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of particular

adjective

noun

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Synonyms of particular

adjective

noun

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Phrases Containing particular

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Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on particular

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

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Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

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Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

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