SPECIFY Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

specify

verb

ˈspe-sə-ˌfī

Definition of specify

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

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 More than 12,000 people have been injured, Rodríguez said, without specifying how many remain missing. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 July 2026 What’s In The Release Apple’s release notes specify that the content is all security-related. — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Harry last saw his father in February 2024, shortly after it was announced that the monarch was undergoing treatment for cancer, though the palace never specified the type. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026 Health officials declined to identify the facilities or to specify reasons, other than saying that the long-term care industry opens facilities and increases or decreases beds based on business factors. — Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for specify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for specify

Verb

Victor Willis, Village People’s lead singer, dies Victor Willis, lead singer of the Village People who helped define the disco movement of the 1970s, died June 30.

— Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Instead of looking only for escapements or technical innovation, Newman encourages appreciation of cases, dials, proportions, engraving, and overall design—the same qualities that define today’s most desirable independent watches.

— Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 3 July 2026

Definition of define

Verb

The department’s limited release of materials prompted outcry and lawsuits from people saying the department was acting to protect rich and powerful people mentioned in the files.

— Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 3 July 2026
There are a couple of biological facts that should be mentioned.

— Jack G. Mell, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026

Definition of mention

Verb

One of her former patients has seemingly died by suicide using drugs that Lilian had prescribed her illicitly.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 2 July 2026
Patients will first need prior authorization -- prescribing clinicians will submit documentation proving the patient meets strict body mass index (BMI) and health condition requirements.

— Sony Salzman, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Definition of prescribe

Verb

Yet park rangers continued to cite Hubbard under that section, issuing two misdemeanor citations in May 2025, as well as a third that cited a different section of the ordinance, the most recent lawsuit alleges.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
According to Michigan Advance, the measure passed by a 5–4 vote, with several councilmembers and critics citing high costs and privacy concerns during Tuesday’s hearing.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of cite

Verb

Court documents say witnesses noticed Lopez acting strangely before the attack.

— Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Soon though, Shawna noticed some of Zaayer's strange behaviors — including scolding her grandson, getting upset over cleaning habits and allegedly showing them racist videos.

— Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of notice

Verb

Designed for evolving missions The latest award follows an earlier Titan procurement by JIATF-401, indicating continued confidence in the platform.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026
The motion is unlikely to pass, but indicates how deeply politicized the issue has become.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of indicate

Verb

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller also spoke on Monday and reiterated the central bank's commitment to its 2% inflation target, while noting the pros and cons of forward guidance.

— Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 7 July 2026
The announcement noted that the DMV is already using Claude to improve customer service and reduce wait times.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of note

Browse Nearby Words

specifies

specify

specifying

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Style

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

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Synonyms of specify

verb

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