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.

Centerview banker Matthieu Pigasse secured the deal with support from Mauricio Claver-Carone, a former Trump special envoy.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Said Mira Costa coach Andy Diver: “Very special player. Most polished freshman I have ever seen.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

So when worrying rain icons on our apps turned into three days of sunshine, we knew it was going to be special.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

"Right away, I knew it was something really special," says Voight, curator emerita of invertebrates at the Field Museum in Chicago and the lead author of the study describing the new species.

From Science Daily • May 25, 2026

“I’m going to sign these books extra special just for you. You must be...Ingrid?”

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

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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