contract vs specify

contract is a noun but specify is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
contract	Yes	No	Yes	No
specify	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, specify is a hyponym of contract; that is, specify is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than contract:

contract: enter into a contractual arrangement
specify: specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement

Other hyponyms of contract include stipulate, sign, condition, qualify, stipulate, lease, rent, charter, hire, lease, rent.

contract (noun)	specify (noun)
a variety of bridge in which the bidder receives points toward game only for the number of tricks he bid
a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law
(contract bridge) the highest bid becomes the contract setting the number of tricks that the bidder must make

contract (verb)	specify (verb)
be stricken by an illness, fall victim to an illness	design or destine
make or become more narrow or restricted	define clearly
become smaller or draw together	select something or someone for a specific purpose
reduce in scope while retaining essential elements	be specific about
compress or concentrate	decide upon or fix definitely
enter into a contractual arrangement	specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement
make smaller	determine the essential quality of
squeeze or press together
engage by written agreement