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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 Kids ages three and up will love all the special touches, such as a huge three-story spiral slide, pool, a dedicated pet area with its own slide and a working elevator. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025 Jadeite, a milky glass material, has an ethereal quality that renders anything being served on that much more special. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025 In short, this impressive hair styling tool dries and styles your hair at the same time using special technology to prevent heat damage. PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025 Johnson and seven other GOP senators were singled out during the now defunct investigation under former special counsel Jack Smith, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley said. Lawrence Andrea, jsonline.com, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for special
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special
Adjective
  • These unique skills are essential for the one requirement that the commission must do — pass a balanced budget.
    Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Participants will learn the differences between dabbling and diving ducks, their unique characteristics and how to use eBird to find local waterfowl viewing hot spots.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Feeling disconnected from a loved one?
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Nab the blanket on sale to wrap up in all season long or get a head start on holiday shopping and gift it to a loved one.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The team plans to expand the research to evaluate inhaler emissions in specific patient groups, such as Medicaid recipients, and to compare clinical outcomes of low- and high-emission inhalers in the same therapeutic class.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The guidelines contain specific terminology and targets for calories and nutrients that guide federal food aid for mothers and infants, free school lunches and what's served at military bases and in federal prisons.
    Will Stone, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Neil’s musicianship was singular.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Gein’s sickness is singular and curable, but ours, as a society, is out of control and hopeless?
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, buyers need to consider how to store it — and whether to pay for the security and insurance required to keep precious metals in their homes.
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
  • While they’re usually made from a hard plastic and can take up precious space in your drawer or cabinet, these funnels are made from flexible silicone and have a space-saving, foldable design to make storing them a breeze.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ross, with his distinctive afro, soothing voice and sunny outlook, empowered millions of viewers to make and appreciate art through his show The Joy of Painting.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Because the brand has not had a particularly distinctive point of view for several seasons, Dario Vitale successfully mixed it up with very retro references, a youthful exuberance, and separated his point of view from his predecessor, Donatella.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • No one is better built than Leavy, a crafty veteran sportswriter, for between-innings repartee, wry asides, and tossed-off ideas for improving her beloved sport—and maybe even keeping its ever-looming obsolescence at bay for another decade or three.
    Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Thus, the scheme of thoughtfully layered illumination, including the pair of Grand Central Terminal–worthy pendants in the kitchen (each weighing in the realm of 60 pounds), plaster sconces, custom lampshades, and Deschanel’s beloved Murano chandeliers.
    Catherine Hong, Architectural Digest, 8 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 9 Oct. 2025.

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