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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 In September that year, invited by Vreeland, who was then a special consultant to the Costume Institute, Valentino staged his July couture collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art — the first time a living designer had held a fashion show there. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025 The development has earned special recognition from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for its resilience, national media coverage for its survival of last year’s hurricane season and several major homebuilding awards, including the Green Builder Home of the Year award in 2024. Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025 Elmo’s mommy is knitting him a special red, white and blue hat. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2025 Premium subscribers to Truth Social will receive special subsidies for their bets. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for special
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special
Adjective
  • Its unique formula can remove stains, dissolve adhesives, and cut through soap scum and grease.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025
  • This Boll & Branch set stands apart because of a unique double-button detail and eyelet hemstitching.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to their family and loved ones during this difficult time.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Edwards’s most recent album, Fruit, delves into pain, loss, and reclaiming joy after losing a loved one.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That specific request was made because those three drugs combine to make BAM, a powerful animal sedative that authorities allege Barry used to kill his wife.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Choosing the right backpack for all your specific travel needs is not a one size fits all exercise.
    Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The United States and China have singular leaders who each see reasons to negotiate.
    Mira Rapp-Hooper, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • This bizarre and, at times, quite disturbing horror/sci-fi/comedy hybrid is strange and singular in a way that's similar to Lanthimos' work, telling the story of a conspiracy theorist who's convinced that the CEO tied up in his basement is an alien intent on destroying the Earth.
    Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • After the robbery, the Louvre has since transferred some of its most precious jewels to the Bank of France's most secure vault in Paris, the BBC reported.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Upon entering the gilded gallery, the thieves used power tools to cut into the glass cases to reach the precious jewels, investigators said.
    Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Each of these titles represents a distinctive cinematic vision — works that captivate with their visual language, emotional depth, and masterful craftsmanship.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Dry lower-leg skin in African-American women is distinctive for its downregulation of several free fatty acids.
    Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Dansko Merrin Sling-back Mule Clog There is a reason why Dansko is such a beloved brand.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The infamously outlandish teen drama based on characters from the beloved and voluminous annals of Archie Comics, put each of them through the ringer.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 2025.

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