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 Will continue screening in NY and LA through the holidays followed by a limited national expansion on January 3, including special format showtimes in Imax and Dolby. —

Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 22 Dec. 2024 Some families, though, are looking for a fancier night out, going somewhere special for a nice meal before celebrating the holiday with their family and friends. —

Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 21 Dec. 2024 On the other hand, McAfee has always been accommodating with his special guests. —

Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 21 Dec. 2024 Both The Substance and The Deliverance were nominated in the categories of best contemporary make-up, best contemporary hairstyling and best special make-up effects. —

Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for special

Recent Examples of Synonyms for special

Adjective

The only money Plaintiff had remaining was a twenty-dollar bill.

KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2024
Only 14 players in the NBA are reaching all three of those statistical thresholds, and Siakam joins Karl-Anthony Towns, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, Paolo Banchero, and Joel Embiid as the only ones doing it in the Eastern Conference.

Tony East, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024