special forces

NOUN

specially trained military troops

Synonyms

WEAK

Green Berets commandos elite troops guerrilla troops paratroops rangers rapid deployment force shock troops storm troops

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.

Israeli air force special forces, trained to carry out commando operations in enemy territory, were also present on the base, according to one of the people familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

Sergei, the special forces "spetsnaz" officer, said members of his unit did not wear an identification number or body cameras with Ukrainian prisoners of war.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

The Justice Department has charged an Army special forces soldier, alleging that he used one of the world’s ripest insider-trading platforms to profit off of advance knowledge of a military operation.

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2026

With special forces, helicopters and its own fast boats all available, the US navy has all the assets it needs for such an operation.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

There was a lot of Cong activity and the special forces guys in Cambodia were spotting convoys.

From "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers