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 This holiday season at Magic Kingdom (both during the day and during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party) there's a special Joffrey's cold brew coffee available at Cheshire Cafe in Fantasyland and Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies in Tomorrowland. —

Terri Peters, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024 Many local people blame it on the opening of doe seasons, under special permit, by the Michigan conservation department. —

Ben East, Outdoor Life, 28 Nov. 2024 The current sanctioned combat pillow has a unique handle and strap design that provides the fighter with centrifugal force; foam that holds its shape; compression density; and a special pillowcase made out of shell cloth that has a waterproof and airproof polymer on one side. —

Candace Oehler, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024 Never mind the state’s policies (high gas taxes, special fuels mandate and a push to end fossil-fuels production) are the real causes of crushing gas prices. —

Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 15 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for special

Recent Examples of Synonyms for special

Adjective

Really, the only limitation here is creativity (and perhaps what the recipient’s personality allows).

Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
The only January signing to have any real impact for Manchester City since 2018 was Julian Alvarez, who was signed from River Plate in January 2022 but didn’t actually arrive in Manchester until the summer.

Steve Price, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024