Definitions

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.

It also booked $1.1 billion in special charges related to its EV pullback, adding to the more than $7 billion in charges it took last year.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

As part of his command, Van Dyke signed a non-disclosure agreement in September 2018 acknowledging that the US government placed "special confidence and trust" in him.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

“For us, it was something very special to know that we were going to serve food on such a special day to someone so special to us,” Soto said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

On Monday, Mexican Navy special forces captured Audias “The Gardener” Flores, one of Oseguera’s top lieutenants, who once was seen as a leading candidate to succeed him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Anyone lucky enough to meet him will find a very special human being—a mountain climber who finds poetry on the peak, an explorer who sings the glories of the stars.

From "Nim’s Island" by Wendy Orr

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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