specifically
adverb
spe·cif·i·cal·ly
spi-ˈsi-fi-k(ə-)lē 
1
: in a specific manner : in a definite and exact way : with precision
instructed them specifically on how to proceed
the people specifically named in the report
The reasons for the change were not specifically mentioned.
I specifically told her not to bother you.
Knead the bread dough for several minutes, or, more specifically, until it forms a smooth ball.
2
—used to indicate the exact identity, purpose, or use of something
The show is aimed specifically at a female audience.
Specifically, the stores are lowering the height of store shelving, changing out signs, repainting some areas and … putting products next to each other that customers typically buy together.—
Jill Rick
Jill RickExamples of specifically in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Weather warnings are still in place for the region, with 4 to 8 inches of snow expected to fall in areas above 4,500 ft—specifically in the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon and the Northwest Blue Mountains in Washington, through to Monday.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Made specifically for animal hair and other pet messes, this Dyson is easy to move around, has a brush made to detangle hair, and whole-machine filtration.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2025
The Ohio State team specifically focused on shiitake and button mushrooms, cultivating the fungi before dehydrating them for long-term viability.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
The share of customers using delivery specifically, as opposed to picking up takeout or going to a drive-through, more than doubled from 2019 to 2024.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
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Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Made specifically for animal hair and other pet messes, this Dyson is easy to move around, has a brush made to detangle hair, and whole-machine filtration.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2025
The Ohio State team specifically focused on shiitake and button mushrooms, cultivating the fungi before dehydrating them for long-term viability.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
The share of customers using delivery specifically, as opposed to picking up takeout or going to a drive-through, more than doubled from 2019 to 2024.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specifically
Cite this Entry
“Specifically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specifically. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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