Synonyms of special

special

adjective

ˈspe-shəl 

1

as in only

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

• only
• unique
• one
• lone
• sole
• singular
• single
• solitary
• distinctive
• alone
• sui generis
• distinct
• one-off
• unequalled
• unrivalled
• 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

Examples of special in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Require the governor to call a special session to assemble the Legislature if at least one-third of the members of each house sign a petition requesting a special session for the purpose of terminating or altering the governor's emergency powers. —Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 10 Sep. 2024

His speech will include insights into leading worldwide content licensing strategy for a global studio and will also include some special guests, who’ve yet to be revealed. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 10 Sep. 2024

The fast-food giant and popular footwear company collaborated to create the special Happy Meal, which is reportedly already out in some other countries. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2024

Related Articles An emotional Larsson received the award from Dior ambassador and special jury member Natalie Portman at a ceremony at the Fondation Louis Vuitton here. —Joelle Diderich, WWD, 10 Sep. 2024

Phrases Containing special

• special interest