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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of specify
The report didn’t specify why Davison was ruled out.
—
Charles Odum, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
And the Chiefs did not specify that the allegation involves Rice.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
Denver police did not specify what conflicts had been documented.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Other agencies’ contracts with their drug testing services do not specify cutoff levels, leaving the decision to the lab.
—Lucas Waldron, ProPublica, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for specify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for specify
Verb
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Davis’ injury is the latest — and potentially most damaging — blow in a Mavericks season defined by attrition.—
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While its character may be defined by its history—ask the staff about its connections to Jackie O and George Washington—the inn embraces all of the modern comforts.—
Verb
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Not to mention the titular bugs, a swarm of blood-invading creatures discovered by her new lover, the mysterious drifter Peter Evans (Namir Smallwood).—
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Hafley said Wednesday that having his name being mentioned as a head coaching candidate is flattering and humbling.—
Verb
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Check your insurance formulary and ask your doctor to prescribe medicine your plan will cover.—
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Doctors can prescribe drugs for conditions they weren’t approved for — such as using blood pressure drugs to prevent migraines — but manufacturers can’t advertise their drugs for those conditions or encourage doctors to use them that way.—
Verb
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The Indonesian government cited security and safety concerns for denying the visas, but an Israel Gymnastics Federation (IGF) spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that the country's security team gave clearance to its athletes.—
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In one example cited in the indictment, Clase allegedly invited a bettor to a game against the Boston Red Sox in April and spoke with him by phone just before taking the mound.—
Verb
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The theft wasn't noticed until a store employee saw that the entire caviar section was empty, which led management to check their security cameras.—
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One game, Jordan Ross, his roommate, noticed that Jake was too late to rotate over on a double-team from the baseline side on a drive.—
Verb
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This week, Walker County Coroner Joey Vick said that preliminary autopsy findings indicate that Johnathan Boley’s death is consistent with hypothermia, Fox affiliate WBRC, ABC affiliate WBMA and NBC affiliate WVTM reported.—
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In fact, earlier research indicates that such training could be detrimental, inspiring burnout.—
Verb
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Citizens Utility Board expressed outrage at the request, noting the increase would push the utility's total rate increases to more than $1 billion in less than a decade.—
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Deputies found Carter deceased on the scene, noting that no foul play was suspected.—
Verb
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Russia’s state news agency TASS, quoting Botswana’s foreign minister, also reported that the country plans to open an embassy in Moscow soon.—
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Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach take turns transforming into floating marketplaces — docks converted to catwalks, hulls polished to reflective arrogance, sales reps who can quote fuel burn like yacht owners care about costs.—
Cite this Entry
“Specify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/specify. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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