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.

Leah Williamson, who plays Sadie, said the play's "east Belfast setting and characters are special".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

And then as far as my Netflix Is a Joke special, I also want people to know I don’t consider myself a stand-up comedian because that’s a different art in itself.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

The Liberals swept three special elections to fill vacancies in Canada’s Parliament, with sizable victories in two races in Toronto and pulling out a win in Quebec in a usually French-speaking nationalist stronghold.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

However, this explanation does not apply to a special group of proton-rich isotopes.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

Among themselves they tended to live and relive their special woes; in Bloemendaal they were reminded that they were not the only ones who had suffered.

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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