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.

Now, it’s virtually impossible for locals to live at the same level without special connections or family property, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

"We're losing the species that are really rare and special here because of the excess nutrients," said Claire Newill, the organisation's Wessex deputy director.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

We want it to always stay true to what it is, which is it’s our comedy special together.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

It’s similar to what pickle brine does for chicken: people notice something special, but they can’t quite identify it.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

She said she had something very unusual, very special to show him.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

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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