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

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 special The business was run by James and Kelly Bracken, who own Riverdale Materials LLC, which was sued in 2018 by a competing company that said Jackson gave the business special treatment in his position as mayor. —Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025 The show will feature special guests and a musical performance. —Debbie Day, EW.com, 26 Feb. 2025 The special focused on Mal and King Ben (Mitchell Hope)’s nuptials. —Charna Flam, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025 That generated $490 million in special cannabis sales taxes, while hemp products pay only standard sales tax. —Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025 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
  • His only real competition for the honor is Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, but even then, Gilgeous-Alexander was a clear frontrunner at that point.
    — Nick Crain, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The Rays aren’t definitively the only hold-up, though.
    — Evan Drellich, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of only
Adjective
  • These ratings don't break down precisely when people are tuning in or specific listener demographics.
    — Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Google probably already knows your phone number, email, and even physical address, but this tells the tool what specific information to pluck out of search results.
    — Ryan Whitwam, Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • Watch Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings on Disney+ Eternals After exterminating the invasive Deviants, the Eternals, a group of ancient heroes with unique powers, separate for 500 years.
    — Jacqueline Weiss, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The seemingly darker avant-garde direction the Grammy winner appeared to be heading signaled for many fans a return to the unique Gaga sounds that characterized peerless projects like The Fame Monster and Artpop.
    — Chris Malone Mendez, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • The threat of tariffs on gold has spurred U.S. banks, investors and traders to shift the precious metal into the Commodities Exchange Centre and other vaults in New York, when it would otherwise usually be stored in London.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
  • But a recent stay at the Hard Rock Rivera Maya brought an even more precious commodity, rest and relaxation.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
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
  • Reports confirm that the beloved songstress was involved in a tragic car accident early this morning in Montgomery, Alabama, following a performance.
    — Larry Stansbury, Essence, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Seeing as Southerners have always valued both fostering community and taking charge of their own affairs, yard sales make quite the beloved weekend activity—one that is still just as popular today.
    — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of beloved
Adjective
  • Atlanta's lone run came in the seventh inning when Luke Williams hit a solo home run to left field.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Moore is the lone woman in a boys’ club of celebrated actors, including Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Stanley Tucci, and Kevin Spacey.
    — Katie Rife, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of lone
Adjective
  • On a sleek, light-colored wooden built in bookcase, there’s a copy of one of Segal’s favorite childhood stories, Caps for Sale.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Shop our very favorite pairs below, starting at just $40.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of favorite

Phrases Containing special

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Cite this Entry

“Special.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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