Definition of specialnext
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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 The follow-up Saturday just fell short of also being special. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026 Avery’s Beverages, the New Britain independent soda-maker, grew famous for releasing special flavors based on news events, for example in 2022 creating a Putin Punch, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Ukrainian Red Cross during the war started by Russia. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026 City Council members called a special meeting a week after the fire and police union’s no-confidence vote and held an executive session about a personnel matter involving Halburnt, city records show. Katie Langford, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, prep a homemade salsa for an extra special touch. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for special
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special
Adjective
  • The Breakfast Ride and Cowboy Cookout are two unique dining experiences the whole family will love, and adult guests will appreciate the new spa planned for late 2027.
    Julie Bielenberg, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Smith ties that capacity back to his father’s meticulous personality and appreciation of finer unique things.
    David Caraccio April 4, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Easter Sunday is a big day for many families across Texas, whether it’s spent at church, around the dinner table or celebrating with loved ones.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
  • In some cases, airlines offer bereavement fares, which are discounted tickets for travelers dealing with the death or imminent death of a loved one.
    Layla Melendez, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Strong feedback is specific, behavior-based, and tied to outcomes.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The Missouri Secretary of State’s office offers an online tool to help voters look up their specific polling place for this election.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As the beautiful Corinthian columns of electronic music, the bands — being combined as a singular project — gave rise to an entire genre.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The aftermath of that news, then, takes unique forms the world over as cultures celebrate the life and honor the death of individuals in ways often singular to their culture.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That simple act of locking eyes with an approaching gull can buy your lunch precious seconds — or discourage the bird from trying altogether.
    Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026
  • These precious experiences have given Jeremy a profound appreciation for Indigenous ways of knowing.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • On this postcard-perfect corner of Canada’s northeastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador that’s slammed by wind and waves, cod-fishing communities hold on to their distinctive settler history.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The Hyundai also boasts a distinctive design that sets it apart from other SUVs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Ezra did his own showcasing when meeting with CBS LA, presenting his entire collection of toy police cars, his detective notebook and his beloved police hat.
    Lesley Marin, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • But the author didn't originally set out to write a follow-up to one of her most beloved books.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Special.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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