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.

That means winning a special district election in Makerfield on June 18.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

The device was made at Pinewood studios by special effects engineers who won an Oscar for 1917 and who work on Star Wars, James Bond and Mission Impossible.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

The Times reached out to TSA for clarity on what those special instructions are, but officials did not provide an explanation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Earlier in the week, Nielsen held talks with Trump's special envoy for Greenland, Jeff Landry, who made his first visit -- uninvited -- to the island since his appointment in December.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

I write about how the mailbox is back now, but it’s nowhere near as special as I remembered.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

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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