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

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 Display your snow globe somewhere special, such as above your stockings on your mantle. —

Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024 Details of a special fan presale will be shared with those signed up for White’s newsletter, while remaining tickets will go live at 10 a.m (GMT) on Thursday (Dec. 12). —

Sophie Williams, Billboard, 10 Dec. 2024 The days leading up to Christmas are some of the most special—when our homes are filled with twinkling lights, cheerful decorations, and the cozy, unmistakable feeling of holiday magic. —

Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2024 While serving in Joe Biden’s Justice Department, the special counsel concocted a novel legal case against Biden’s foremost political opponent and would have been happy to try Donald Trump in the midst of the presidential election campaign. —

Rich Lowry, National Review, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for special

Recent Examples of Synonyms for special

Adjective

Monday's videos appeared to be the only content that was uploaded by the account in its roughy 11-month existence.

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
The only other running backs to win it this century were USC’s Reggie Bush in 2005 and Alabama’s Mark Ingram in 2009.

Ralph D. Russo, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024