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.

Speaking after the sentencing, Lisa Rose, specialist prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service special crime division, said Lloyd was not qualified to take inexperienced paddleboarders out in such conditions.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

George Gascón hired special prosecutor Lawrence Middleton to re-examine a number of Lacey’s decisions in a number of fatal police shootings, including the Proctor case.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

But here, we’ve got exactly one area in which Musk has turned out to not be special.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

Men following a special diet to manage high blood pressure were less than half as likely to add salt compared with those who were not following such a diet.

From Science Daily • Jun. 4, 2026

“Would you trust anyone with such a place? A place that is special and beautiful and full of wonders?”

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

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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