SPECIAL Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

special

adjective

ˈspe-shəl

Definition of special next

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

as in loved

granted special treatment or attention one student who was treated as special by the teacher

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Thanks to the development of a special ferret-sized tracking collar, scientists are now reviewing data collected last fall to peek into the secret underground lives of the rare and elusive animals. —

Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025 The rest of the musical deals with Jesse’s healing, the interconnectivity of this forest, and her special bond with one particular giant tree. —

Frank Rizzo, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025 Scheduled for March 23 at American Dream in New Jersey, the event celebrating 20 years of Jonas Brothers will feature live performances, DJ sets, Q&A panels, fan activations, special guest appearances, and more. —

Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2025 There’s always a kerfuffle when gospel artists cross over to secular music, but Sapp’s new EP arrives under special circumstances. —

Kyle Denis, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for special

Recent Examples of Synonyms for special

Adjective

Sundance is the only major film festival to offer that opportunity; Toronto offered a platform in 2021, but ditched it in 2022.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025
In January of 1993, the early 90s Gang Green defense won its only playoff game at the Superdome.

— Matt Breen The Philadelphia Inquirer, arkansasonline.com, 11 Feb. 2025