Synonyms of special

special

adjective

ˈspe-shəl 

1

as in unique

being the one or ones of a class with no other members

the President claimed that international terrorism was a special threat that required a special way of dealing with it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unique
• singular
• distinctive
• one
• distinct
• lone
• sole
• only
• single
• solitary
• alone
• sui generis
• one-off
• unparalleled
• incomparable
• matchless
• inimitable
• unrivaled
• unequaled
• peerless
• unaccompanied
• solo
• unattended
• unsurpassable
• separate
• unmatched
• individual
• unsurpassed
• nonce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• myriad
• multifarious
• miscellaneous
• mixed
• varied
• manifold
• popular
• assorted
• heterogenous
• prevalent
• promiscuous
• prevailing
• divers
• recurrent
• patchwork
• perennial
• rampant
• motley
• repeated

2

as in loved

granted special treatment or attention

one student who was treated as special by the teacher

Synonyms & Similar Words

• loved
• precious
• beloved
• cherished
• favorite
• sweet
• darling
• dear
• pet
• favored
• adored
• appreciated
• fond
• admired
• fair-haired
• white-headed
• revered
• esteemed
• treasured
• preferred
• prized
• relished

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disliked
• ignored
• despised
• forgotten
• hated
• detested
• abhorred
• disfavored
• loathed
• unbeloved
• abandoned
• unfavorite
• disdained
• alienated
• abominated
• execrated
• estranged

3

as in specific

of a particular or exact sort

you'll need special permission from the fire department to do that

Synonyms & Similar Words

• specific
• precise
• sole
• distinct
• specialized
• express
• peculiar
• concrete
• especial
• only
• unique
• distinctive
• single
• set
• limited
• separate
• exclusive
• individual
• solitary
• restricted
• lone
• specified
• differentiated
• given

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonspecific
• general
• universal
• generic
• generalized
• nonexclusive

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

Recent Examples of special

On top of that, California requires a special fuel blend that adds another 15 cents per gallon, the state’s cap-and-trade program costs another 26 cents and a special sales tax for gas contributes another 10 cents, according to the California Energy Commission. —Adam B. Summers, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026

Foo Fighters will be joined on the night by special guests Full Flower Moon Band and Spooky Eyes. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 24 Jan. 2026

The ongoing success of the TV series led to an equally impressive annual live tour featuring many familiar faces plus special guests. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026

On Friday night, Hafley made the first hire on his coaching staff, bringing aboard Chris Tabor as special teams coordinator. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026

Phrases Containing special

• special interest