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.

The bollards were installed by Cardiff City Council at Y Groes in Rhiwbina Garden Village, where scenes from the 2011 Doctor Who Christmas special were filmed.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

I am the executor of a trust for my son with special needs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

Democrat Analilia Mejia has won the special election for a safely blue U.S.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

Lori Inglis Hall’s accomplished debut, “The Shock of the Light,” examines the siblings’ special bond while charting their separate fates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

There’s nothing special about the envelope that the drawing is on.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

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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