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.

When Lincoln called Congress into special session in 1861 to deal with the emergency, the date he selected for its assembling was July 4.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

James is every ambitious director threatening to topple this town in a narcissistic quest to create the ultimate special effects epic.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

Last week, UN deputy special envoy Claudio Cordone told the Security Council that Syria's transition was "at a critical phase, with opportunity and fragility existing side-by-side".

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2026

When you bite into that big, juicy burger on this very special Fourth, relish it.

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

“She likes to pretend there’s nothing special about her, but I know the truth.”

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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