1
2
3

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 Such dismissiveness has become less common (perhaps because techies still believe that tech entrepreneurs are special). Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025 The remaining three are covers that hold special places in his heart. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025 For Cheng, the former captain, the Hong Kong Sevens will always hold a special place – with its sea of costumes and unmatched sense of fun. Andrew McNicol, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025 But, this first one, the sort of one that’s kind of designed, that cover’s designed like a John Fante book that was really special, not really produced all that heavily. Jeremy D. Larson, Pitchfork, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for special
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special
Adjective
  • Jordan Burks had the only double-double of the night for either team, with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Toni wasn't the only sister to pay tribute with a video.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Former admissions officers frequently remind students that college isn't about landing at a specific school.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The recall affects specific lots of 1.15-ounce Original Beef, which are sold in 12-count pouches, 8-count pouches, and single sticks.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Through its unique approach to skincare, the company strives to challenge industry norms by innovating solutions from raw, natural ingredients.
    Grace Butler, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The Goychay region, with its unique microclimate and mineral-rich soil, has become globally synonymous with Azerbaijani premium pomegranates.
    Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In 1545, Spanish colonizers greedy for precious metals established a mining town named Potosí in current-day Bolivia, more than 13,000 feet high, at the foot of a mountain that was rumored to be made of silver.
    Tim Vernimmen, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The trade Some folks are betting on this eventuality by purchasing precious metals.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 20 Mar. 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
  • But beyond seeing her beloved homeland in the spotlight, the chef hopes the White Lotus effect inspires travelers to experience the Land of Smiles firsthand.
    Regan Stephens, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The Elephant In The Room The elephant is, quite appropriately, according to Jonathan Haidt’s beloved analogy for Daniel Kahneman’s System 1 / System 2 duo, the emotion itself.
    Tim Maurer, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Hansen, who plays forward for the Cougars, had a hat trick in the Class 3A state semifinal and the lone goal in a 1-0 championship game victory over Lake Highland Prep.
    Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Trump is attempting to remove Cathy Harris, the lone Democrat on the merit board who is currently still serving pending a legal battle.
    Daniel Wiessner, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Save your favorite Better Homes & Gardens recipes in one place using MyRecipes.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Welcome to our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more.
    Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Special.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on special

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!