specialized

1 of 2

adjective

spe·​cial·​ized ˈspe-shə-ˌlīzd How to pronounce specialized (audio)
Synonyms of specializednext
1
: characterized by or exhibiting biological specialization
especially : highly differentiated especially in a particular direction or for a particular end
2
: designed, trained, or fitted for one particular purpose or occupation
specialized personnel

specialized

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of specialize

Synonyms of specialized

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Adjective

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Examples of specialized in a Sentence

Adjective specialized regions of the brain specialized gear for deep-sea fishing
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
The size and specialized nature of these loads can also create opportunities for carriers to take on new customers and routes. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026 Generating, detecting, and controlling light requires specialized components, and integrating lasers with silicon can be difficult because silicon itself is not an efficient light-producing material. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026 As specialized emergency crews dig for flood survivors in Nepal, authorities in Tibet are also tracking rescue efforts. — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 The issue surfaced during Thursday’s board meeting, as trustees considered paying the county office for specialized day-program services provided to 36 district students during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. — Chaewon Chung updated September 4, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specialized

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialized was in 1852

Rhymes for specialized

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Browse Nearby Words

specialize
specialized
specializer
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Cite this Entry

“Specialized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialized. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

specialized

adjective
1
: characterized by or exhibiting biological specialization
2
: designed, trained, or fitted for one particular purpose or occupation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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