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.

"We will ask for special powers," she said, including to modernize police and deploy the armed forces in prisons.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

But the visit to Algeria is also infused with personal significance for the Augustinian pontiff, with the country holding "a special place in his mind and heart because of St Augustine," Vesco said.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Accepting the award for best new musical, Paddington writer Jessica Swale said it had been "such an honour to be trusted with a very special bear", while Fletcher said the company had become "a family".

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Last year, Pirro hired two lawyers and conferred upon them the title of special counsel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

And I had greeted one of our group by name, practically admitted a special relationship between us, when the cardinal rule of the underground was .

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

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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