special

adjective

ˈspe-shəl How to pronounce special (audio)
Definition of specialnext
1
as in only
being the one or ones of a class with no other members the President claimed that international terrorism was a special threat that required a special way of dealing with it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention one student who was treated as special by the teacher

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort you'll need special permission from the fire department to do that

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective special differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of special are especial, individual, particular, and specific. While all these words mean "of or relating to one thing or class," special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own.

special ingredients

When would especial be a good substitute for special?

The meanings of especial and special largely overlap; however, especial may add implications of preeminence or preference.

a matter of especial importance

When is it sensible to use individual instead of special?

While the synonyms individual and special are close in meaning, individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group.

valued each individual opinion

When is particular a more appropriate choice than special?

In some situations, the words particular and special are roughly equivalent. However, particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual.

a ballet step of particular difficulty

When can specific be used instead of special?

Although the words specific and special have much in common, specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species.

children with specific nutritional needs

Examples 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 special This holiday season at Magic Kingdom (both during the day and during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party) there's a special Joffrey's cold brew coffee available at Cheshire Cafe in Fantasyland and Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies in Tomorrowland. —Terri Peters, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024 Many local people blame it on the opening of doe seasons, under special permit, by the Michigan conservation department. —Ben East, Outdoor Life, 28 Nov. 2024 The current sanctioned combat pillow has a unique handle and strap design that provides the fighter with centrifugal force; foam that holds its shape; compression density; and a special pillowcase made out of shell cloth that has a waterproof and airproof polymer on one side. —Candace Oehler, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024 Never mind the state’s policies (high gas taxes, special fuels mandate and a push to end fossil-fuels production) are the real causes of crushing gas prices. —Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 15 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for special 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special
  1. only
  2. specific
  3. unique
  4. precious
  5. one
  6. beloved
  7. lone
  8. favorite
Adjective
  • Really, the only limitation here is creativity (and perhaps what the recipient’s personality allows).
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
  • The only January signing to have any real impact for Manchester City since 2018 was Julian Alvarez, who was signed from River Plate in January 2022 but didn’t actually arrive in Manchester until the summer.
    Steve Price, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Definition of only
Adjective
  • Customers can adjust the size to fit their specific space requirements and choose from various wood finishes to match their decor.
    Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
  • There are no specific treatments for mumps and in most cases, the virus will resolve without medical intervention.
    Sarah Bradley, Health, 28 Nov. 2024
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • Encourage laughter, casual interactions, or even a few candid moments to capture the family’s unique dynamic.
    Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Even without a direct reference to an item of clothing or accessory, all of these luxury designer ranges use unique bottles, higher price points, and limited distribution in an attempt to attract both aspirational and long-time customers.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 23 Nov. 2024
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • The pagoda is filled with precious statues, including a wooden Shakyamuni Buddha covered with gold paint.
    Catherine Garcia, theweek, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Another year in the books, another one of your precious few winters on Earth that’s just memories now.
    Frederick Dreier and Adam Roy, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
Definition of precious
Adjective
  • Drinkwater didn't make one appearance in a Chelsea shirt last season, whilst Bakayoko spent the season in Italy on loan at AC Milan.
    SI.com, SI.com, 3 Aug. 2019
  • Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.
    Johannes Himmelreich, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2018
Definition of one
Adjective
  • There are a few fictional characters who are as beloved and real to me as friends.
    Erik Pedersen, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Counted among the most beloved operas of all time, both are returning to Bay Area stages in the next few days.
    Georgia Rowe, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Definition of beloved
Adjective
  • Several warring factions exist within the Zone, as well as lone bandits and stalkers.
    Issy van der Velde, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Since the program started in 2017, birdlife diversity has increased from just seven species to more than 60, and camera traps have caught golden monkeys, serval cats, and even a lone silverback passing through the reforested land.
    Chris Schalkx, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2024
Definition of lone
Adjective
  • Here's what time 'Dancing with the Stars' is on tonight, where to watch Week 8, who is left in Season 33 and how to vote for your favorite couple.
    Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • One of my favorite authors and former Navy SEAL Jacko Wilkins says: The only path to freedom of any kind is discipline.
    Fred Sassani, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Definition of favorite

Phrases Containing special

Thesaurus Entries Near special

spears

special

special deliveries

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Special.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on special

Nglish: Translation of special for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of special for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See All

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

9 Superb Owl Words

15 Words That Used to Mean Something Different
See All

Games & Quizzes

See All
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
Commonly Confused Words Quiz Vol. 3 Do you have a (flare/flair) for choosing the righ...