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.

Bilton, who is the author of two New York Times bestsellers, wrote for the Times and served as special correspondent at Vanity Fair.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

At a future date a special court hearing will look at recovering the embezzled money.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

A special anti-graft court ordered his arrest Monday, days after Estrada, son of former Philippine president Joseph Estrada, was charged with plunder, defined in the Philippines as large-scale corruption.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

What makes the dwelling all the more special is the fact that it was the place where the actors’ respective families first “blended,” Steenburgen added.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

She reached out, and for a moment, I thought she was going to give me something special, maybe something magical that would help me.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff

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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