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 All-American Road Show will return for its ninth year with a summer full of shows and special guests. —

Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 Jan. 2025 For more great income ideas, get your free copy his latest special report: Your Early Retirement Portfolio: Huge Dividends—Every Month—Forever. —

Brett Owens, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 In fact, The works are so striking, that Lee expanded them into a special art exhibition, debuted at last year’s Brisbane Festival, titled The Dream Weaver: Guardians of Grace. —

Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025 Tiger embraced his son in what was a heartfelt moment, signaling a special time for the two men. —

Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for special

Recent Examples of Synonyms for special

Adjective

His splitter remains one of the game's elite pitches, and proof that throwing hard isn't the only path to success.

Newsweek, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
This strengthens the sense that the centrist parties form a bloc or a cartel, and that voting for them doesn’t change anything, and therefore the only way to change anything is by voting for more radical parties.

Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2025