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.

This is a special World Cup edition of the Sports newsletter, a curated weekly tour of WSJ’s unique take on the sports world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

The referee's story tells us that no-one is going to receive special treatment from this administration.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

However, that number has increased dramatically since, thanks in part to an expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic, and nearly 89% of ballots were cast by mail in last year’s special election.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

SpaceX opposed the extension, arguing in a Feb. 3 letter to the FCC that Amazon’s request was “just its latest gambit to get special treatment at the expense of others.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 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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