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

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adjective

pər-ˈti-kyə-lər

Definition of particular next

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

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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

Finding the fingerprints of life Infrared can also be used to detect the unique fingerprints of particular molecules in the universe, including the basic components of life — water and organic materials frozen in the ices of interstellar dust clouds where stars are born. —

Ari Daniel, NPR, 9 Feb. 2025 The tubes are not much longer than an individual cell, and Prochlorococcus, in particular, is thought to spread out in the water column. —

Veronique Greenwood, WIRED, 9 Feb. 2025

Noun

Bentley and cinematographer Adolpho Veloso also plunge audiences into the tactile particulars and handcraft of logging, Robert sawing away with numb determination while he’s forced once again to be far away from his wife and child. —

Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025 Constable renders the particulars of the 19th-century British countryside with dazzling care. —

Daniel Foster, National Review, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for particular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for particular

Adjective

Give your sink a nice bubble bath by stopping the drain and filling the basin along with a tablet.

— Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025
Elizabeth had started working and spent some of her wages on nice outfits.

— Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025