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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 Lawmakers adjourned their second special session last week. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025 Prices start at $595 and go above $5,000 for special pieces like this one. Ari Stark, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025 The pic also features special appearances by María Esteve, Alberto San Juan, Guillermo Toledo, Secun de la Rosa and Natalia Verbeke, beloved actors who starred in the original films in the franchise. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025 Ultimately, the general joined a group of Israeli special forces upon arrival at the kibbutz. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for special
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special
Adjective
  • Eaton has been bringing unique worship experiences to a variety of churches since 2010.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Every pitcher is different and offers a unique look on the mound.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • To combat isolation amid shorter days, keep in touch with loved ones, NextStep4MentalHealth advises.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • These non-invasive scans typically start at around $2,500, but can be the ideal gift for a loved one.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The severity, healing and availability of Purdy’s toe will depend heavily on which toe is injured and what specific part of the toe got injured.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • How does a singular musical personality emerge from an agglomeration of pitches?
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Generic generative AI is not conventionally marketed for that singular purpose and instead is often touted as a general Q&A tool that answers your overall questions.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Clients give us their most precious asset, their time, to be here.
    Rachel Ingram, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • That unspoken bond is precious, and what binds a lot of community together.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While giants like Diageo and Pernod Ricard dominate volumes, smaller distilleries like Torabhaig are carving out space by leaning into provenance, limited releases, and distinctive house styles.
    Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • At least with this latest batch of iPhones, Apple has made those options much more distinctive and has finally brought some interesting physical variety to the market.
    Bob O’Donnell, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Taking a stroll and admiring fall’s vibrant hues is a quintessential autumn activity — and according to The New York Times, Nashville is one of the best cities to soak in the reds, oranges, and yellows of the beloved season.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Sep. 2025
  • After the building's beloved doorman, Lester (Teddy Coluca), is found dead in the courtyard's fountain, the group comes together once again to get to the bottom of the mystery.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Special.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on special

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