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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 Everything else had to be washed with a special antimicrobial detergent. Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Kansas coach Bill Self already has a special connection with UTEP transfer guard Ahamad Bynum. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025 Why the Chargers drafted him: When picking this far at the end of the draft, special teams tends to be the first fit, and Bridges is eager to apply his skills. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025 Lawmakers can call themselves back to the Capitol in Boise for special sessions with a petition signed by at least 60% of the House and Senate. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for special
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special
Adjective
  • The only exception is Rifadin (rifampin), an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis.
    Ashley Wong, Health, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The only Florida location, in Naples, opened in September 2024.
    Michelle Spitzer, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Though, when looking at specific issues, that confidence drops further.
    Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    William Jones, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hepworth has a unique advantage because of his background.
    Kody Boye, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • As if this weren’t enough reason to believe in the cosmos, the actress was born with Venus conjunct her Ascendant in Gemini, making her witty communication style and unique quirks part of her fatal charm.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This one gives a result in under three seconds, allowing the oven or grill door to be quickly closed again without much precious heat escaping.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The precious metal is now up nearly 29% in the year so far.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
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
Adjective
  • The show had a brief run Off Broadway in 1996, then lived on with a miniature national tour and a beloved cast recording.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • After two long years, Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler are back on screen together — and the beloved duo didn't miss a beat!
    Alex Ross, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Eichel’s lone hat trick of the season came on March 25 at Xcel Energy Center in a 5-1 win over the Wild.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Coogler wrote Remmick as an empathetic and charismatic villain — so much so that IndieWire critic David Ehrlich’s lone knock on the film is that, by design, the darkness of the vampires is more about the fun of being alive than the usual horror movie terror.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Everybody's favorite socially awkward evil couple, Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and Syril Karn (Kyle Soller), are doing terrible things for the Imperial Security Bureau, while Luthen and Cassian try to help the nascent rebellion movement on the planet.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The aerie, a favorite hideaway for the wife, is appointed with a custom daybed, bookcase, ceiling light, and rug—all designed by Hoffman—alongside a Seventh House LA armchair, Obsolete coffee table, vintage Willy Guhl lamp, and Roman shades cut from a Rose Uniacke fabric.
    David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Special.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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