Definition of special
1 : distinguished by some unusual quality; especially : being in some way superior our special blend
2 : held in particular esteem a special friend
3a : readily distinguishable from others of the same category : unique they set it apart as a special day of thanksgivingb : of, relating to, or constituting a species : specific
4 : being other than the usual : additional, extra
5 : designed for a particular purpose or occasion
specialness
nounPeople Are Reading
Examples of special in a Sentence
This is a special case and I want you to handle it personally.
Only under special circumstances will you be allowed to retake the test.
Your many years of service put you in a special category.
Why should you receive any special treatment?
It takes a special quality to do what he did.
This is a very special occasion.
Are you doing anything special over the holidays?
We have a special guest tonight—the mayor.
No one is more special to me than my wife.
He always made her feel special.
Recent Examples of special from the Web
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This special report will seek to unravel the causes of this irrational enmity, and to explore the contrasting internal dynamics in both countries that sustain it.
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Featuring live music, the opportunity to be tattooed using vintage acetate stencils, special guests including Shanghai Kate, and a unique setting on the Delaware River.
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New York regulators recently requested information related to three loans the wealth management unit provided to Trump, paying special attention to personal guarantees, according to the newspaper.
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The two businesses have teamed up to create a special dessert, which will be available next Saturday, July 29, at the Mr. Holmes Bakehouse Larchmont location (248 N. Larchmont Blvd).
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Comey reportedly took contemporaneous notes of that encounter that are now in the special counsel’s possession.
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The first deadline to file for special election candidates is Aug. 3 for the period covering July 1 through July 26.
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Mad Science conducts after-school programs, special events, birthday parties, and workshops throughout the year in San Diego County and internationally.
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A late-summer bike ride to benefit Special Olympics returns to Orland Park on Aug. 27.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'special.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of special
Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French especial, from Latin specialis individual, particular, from species species
Synonym Discussion of special
special
Definition of special
1 : one that is used for a special service or occasion caught the commuter special to work
2 : something (such as a television program) that is not part of a regular series
3 : a featured dish at a restaurant the specials of the day
Examples of special in a Sentence
a one-hour special on whales
Today's lunch special is chili.
The specials are on the board.
They were having a special on paper towels so I stocked up.
Recent Examples of special from the Web
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Avocado, maple bacon, cakefetti, lavender and other unexpected varieties are made daily with specials regularly being scooped out for guests.
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Netflix is now basically offering an entire new season of a television series every week, on top of its original films and slew of comedy specials.
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Special Father’s Day Brunch starting at 11:30 a.m.; entrée specials will also be available for dinner beginning at 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
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A $5 ticket gets you beer specials at each stop, as well as access to a VIP happy hour at Mohawk Bend.
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A 3 p.m. pre-event party at Darlington House (1610 20th St. NW) features drink specials and optional bus transportation to the field.
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After drooling over the cars, head inside for food specials such as $12 fried of BBQ chicken plates and $4 chicken biscuits.
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The monthly late-night special at Bodensee Therme appeals to locals as well as bargain-hunting, bike-riding tourists.
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In the meantime, the menu has been slowly changing, with Grittner adding more specials and new pizzas made from fresh dough and just generally doing more scratch cooking.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'special.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of special
1822
SPECIAL Defined for English Language Learners
special
playDefinition of special for English Language Learners
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: different from what is normal or usual; especially : unusual in a good way : better or more important than others
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: especially important or loved
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: more than is usual
special
Definition of special for English Language Learners
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: a television or radio program that is not part of a regular series
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: a meal that is not on a restaurant's usual menu
SPECIAL Defined for Kids
special
playDefinition of special for Students
1 : unusual and better in some way : extraordinary a special occasion To an outsider, it wouldn't sound all that special. But to the ears of a Pickwell kid, it was magic. — Jerry Spinelli, Maniac Magee
2 : liked very well a special friend
3 : different from others : unique a special case
4 : 1extra a special edition
5 : meant for a particular purpose or occasion a special diet
specially
adverbLaw Dictionary
special
Legal Definition of special
1 : distinguished by some unusual quality
2 : relating to a single thing or class of things : having an individual character or trait owed them a special duty not owed to the public at large
3a : supplemental to the regular b : assigned or provided to meet a need not covered under established procedures
4 : designed or selected for a particular purpose, occasion, or other end family courts are courts of limited and special jurisdiction — Cleveland v. Cleveland, 559 P.2d 744 (1977)
5 : containing particulars and details a special pleading
specially
adverbLearn More about special
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for special Spanish Central: Translation of special Nglish: Translation of special for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of special for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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