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.

See Examples For:

special specials

And, yes, lengthy, instructive captions and special hashtags still help boost posts.

From Slate ● Aug. 28, 2026

Nike is flying in a special outside court.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026

Ismaeel Islam, who was under six months old, died at the Royal London Hospital's special care baby unit on 7 March 2025.

From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026

"We cherish the memory of our special friendship with him in our hearts. King Harald served his country with love, pride, and conviction," said the family in a statement.

From Barron's ● Aug. 28, 2026

A father who was a general, who would have special ways to find out what happened in France.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Starting in the late 1970s, few broadcast specials worth remembering went without her presence.

From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2026

Three new specials commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 22, 2026

Mrs Brown's Boys – which this week officially cancelled its festive specials due to creator and star Brendan O'Carroll's broken jaw - has a nomination for best comedy.

From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026

Now, YouTube subscribers and TikTok followers are part of the equation, along with specials on Netflix, HBO and Hulu.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2026

I’ve seen specials on volcanoes, shark attacks, dogs born with two heads, and the mummies of Egypt.

From "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper

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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