Definitions

special

[spesh-uhl] / ˈspɛʃ əl /

ADJECTIVE

distinguished, distinctive; important in own way

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appropriate certain different exceptional exclusive extraordinary individual limited main major memorable particular peculiar personal primary proper rare significant specialized specific unique unusual

STRONG

best characteristic chief choice express first gala set smashing sole

WEAK

defined definite designated determinate earmarked especial festive marked momentous out of the ordinary red-letter reserved restricted select uncommon unreal

Antonyms

STRONGEST

OK common commonplace conventional familiar general improper indefinite insignificant like minor normal ordinary regular secondary similar standard uncertain unimportant unlimited unnoteworthy unrestricted unsuitable usual

STRONG

least worst

WEAK

indistinctive undistinguished

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Commandos for the National Guard Special Forces, or FERI, secured the training exercise area and rescued a "hostage" amid a haze of explosions, smoke, and rattling gunfire.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

"We all know what tonight means to New Yorkers who have been waiting a long time for an opportunity like this," Special Agent Matt McCool told reporters.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Special Operations Command last year added new software to provide near-real-time commercial satellite images on soldiers’ mobile devices, a Socom spokeswoman said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Special editions of The Saturday Show from Boston, Off the Ball and Breaking the News are on the agenda.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

We hadn’t been to church as a family in a very long time, so it made sense that we didn’t know Special Agent Gonzales was part of our neighborhood’s congregation.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Vocabulary lists containing special

"The Lotus Seed"

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Century 21 Accounting, 9e, Chapters 4-7

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"Glencoe Accounting: Real-World Applications & Connections," Vocabulary from Chapter 11

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