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 cathedral was packed and we gave John a wonderful send-off as he was a very special man," 1985 world champion Dennis Taylor told BBC Radio 5 Live.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

I am the executor of a trust for my son with special needs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

Democrat Analilia Mejia has won the special election for a safely blue U.S.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

Lori Inglis Hall’s accomplished debut, “The Shock of the Light,” examines the siblings’ special bond while charting their separate fates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Now I’m imagining Turtle Beach: pale gold sands marked by the flipper prints of a very special turtle!

From "Nim’s Island" by Wendy Orr

Vocabulary lists containing special

"The Lotus Seed"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Century 21 Accounting, 9e, Chapters 4-7

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"Glencoe Accounting: Real-World Applications & Connections," Vocabulary from Chapter 11

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!