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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective special differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of special are especial, individual, particular, and specific. While all these words mean "of or relating to one thing or class," special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own.

special ingredients

When would especial be a good substitute for special?

The meanings of especial and special largely overlap; however, especial may add implications of preeminence or preference.

a matter of especial importance

When is it sensible to use individual instead of special?

While the synonyms individual and special are close in meaning, individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group.

valued each individual opinion

When is particular a more appropriate choice than special?

In some situations, the words particular and special are roughly equivalent. However, particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual.

a ballet step of particular difficulty

When can specific be used instead of special?

Although the words specific and special have much in common, specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species.

children with specific nutritional needs

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of special To avoid the hassle of scrounging in the cargo hold to access their necessaries and furry companions, when in the rearmost position, special storage bins for hand luggage or pet carriers (all of these accessories presumably Bentley branded) emerge from the floor. Brett Berk, Robb Report, 8 July 2025 Castiglioni teased exclusive products are in the pipeline for the opening of the store, following in the footsteps of special drops the brand launches on its e-commerce, such as three recent iterations of a Plan C bag crafted from archival fabrications. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 8 July 2025 The one minute trailer for her special pokes fun at her son, husband, and mother-in-law — which any Zarna fan knows is par for the course. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 8 July 2025 Missouri’s offer, passed during a hectic special session last month, would fund up to 50% of new construction or stadium improvements. Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for special
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special
Adjective
  • Bouygues-Murphy The central tunnel's three-lane design is notable for a unique underdeck systems arrangement.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • But this cultural expectation is not unique to India.
    Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • And, maybe above all, hate the possible catalyst behind every decision — from slapping the window to finding the rock to going back to the bar to throwing it through that specific window.
    Jack Albright, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025
  • However, its availability is limited to specific areas in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
    Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Leading frontier models are already integrating Composite AI elements, such as tool-calling, to deliver state-of-the-art performance benchmarks unattainable through a singular methodology.
    Anuradha Weeraman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The must-have is no longer a singular item, but rather the pieces that reflect each man’s personal sensibility and rhythm.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Serena and Lily is an AD go-to for lighting—their silhouettes are individualistic, and cute without being precious.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2025
  • Sprinkled it like fairy dust right along his deck and around his precious fire pit area.
    Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The response was immediate: many believed the artifact resembled the base of a Clovis point—a distinctive stone tool crafted by Paleoindian peoples more than 12,000 years ago.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025
  • The Phoenix Financial Center, a distinctive office complex in central Phoenix, is slated for a major renovation.
    Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • The beach is a lovely place to camp out and wade while watching brave souls barrel-ride hundreds of feet across the sea, and it’s also conveniently located on the edge of the Puerto Viejo beach town, meaning there are plenty of amenities nearby, including the beloved Lazy Mon beach bar.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
  • Cindy McCarthy, Rambo's pet parent, is back with her beloved cat.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Drinkwater didn't make one appearance in a Chelsea shirt last season, whilst Bakayoko spent the season in Italy on loan at AC Milan.
    SI.com, SI.com, 3 Aug. 2019
  • Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.
    Johannes Himmelreich, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2018
Adjective
  • Among the graffiti was a drawing of a crying woman with a distinct Flavian period hairstyle, as well as the Greek alphabet.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
  • Linkin Park manages to push three distinct projects north on the same chart at the same time, as consumption of the Grammy-winning act’s catalog continues to grow.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Special.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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