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.

The note adds that management’s risk management means that capital returns are skewed toward buybacks rather than special dividends.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Warner Bros. officials did not disclose the precise vote count during the nine-minute special shareholder meeting beyond saying the merger “received sufficient votes and has overwhelmingly passed.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

To play Salieri opposite a fellow Welshman as Mozart - a role that has meant so much to me - feels very special indeed.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Warner is hosting a virtual special meeting of stockholders at 10 a.m.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

“I’m going to sign these books extra special just for you. You must be...Ingrid?”

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

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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