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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

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 The Bruins’ defense has been in shambles over their last stretch of play, and special teams have been a disaster. Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 Wishing you all the love and joy in the world on this special day. Anna Moeslein, Parents, 21 Jan. 2025 There is no special secret or special protection style or special technique. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025 Trump was indicted himself on charges linked to the Jan. 6 insurrection that tried to stop Congress’ certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential victory, but those charges were later dismissed by special counsel Jack Smith after Trump reclaimed the presidency in last November’s election. Michael Wilner, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for special 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special
Adjective
  • The only results, so far, have been the sketch of an E.U.-U.K. security pact and a bilateral deal with Germany, focussed mainly on defense and technology.
    Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
  • As the only First Lady to maintain external employment during her time at the White House, Dr. Biden represented a departure from tradition.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The sponsorship will take center stage at three specific events: the Cook Out Clash on February 2nd, Phoenix Raceway on March 9th, and Richmond Raceway on August 16th.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Trump deployed active-duty troops to the border in his first term, and the previous Biden administration did as well, but both were in response to specific instances.
    Brad Dress, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Brokers are also finding unique ways to increase inventory.
    Hadley Meares, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The bout of high inflation was a once-in-a-generation event that spun out of a once-in-a-century pandemic and was not unique to the US.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, in contrast to the hardships of filming, the cast were relieved to find the creative process refreshingly collaborative, given White isn’t precious about his words.
    Charlie Campbell, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
  • For many, this includes exploring the world and to experience some of its most precious and fascinating wildlife, landscapes, cultures and ancient sites.
    Roger Sands, Forbes, 24 Jan. 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
  • In addition to Barbados, a number of Caribbean countries, including in St. Vincent, Grenada, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Martinique, have beloved recipes which importantly feature the breadfruit.
    Elaine Savory, JSTOR Daily, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Colors of blue and pink pay homage to Miami Beach’s beloved Art Deco scene.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Those matchups include Hornets’ home outings against the Lakers on Jan. 27, the LA Clippers on Jan. 31, the Milwaukee Bucks on Feb. 5, and the Golden State Warriors on March 3 for Curry’s lone visit to Spectrum Center in 2024-25.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The Lakers will play four of their next five games at home, with their lone road game coming against the Clippers at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
    Kevin Dotson, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • All in the Family Mini Kim and mini Khloé pulled a switcheroo with their T-shirts — a favorite pastime of theirs, according to Khloé who posted this adorable pic.
    Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
  • The Anniversary Special airs on Sunday, Feb. 16, from 8-11 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Watch a teaser below: Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
    Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near special

Cite this Entry

“Special.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on special

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