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.

"Right away, I knew it was something really special," said octopus expert Janet Voight, who was asked to identify the strange species.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

“We are very lucky that we get to tell stories about heroes going and saving the world, and it makes it very special to be here with people that are saving this city,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

The idea of a special class of shares for Musk to keep control like the founders of Google and Facebook wasn’t in the cards.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

One leading idea is that the neutrino came from a special class of blazars capable of accelerating particles to extreme energies.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

It’s her—the special closing-night speaker from leadership camp, acting condescending to me for the second time in less than twenty-four hours.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

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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