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special

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of special

1 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 for special

Words Related to special

nonce

Near Antonyms for special

2 granted special treatment or attention

one student who was treated as special by the teacher

Synonyms for special

Words Related to special

preferred

Near Antonyms for special

Antonyms for special

unbeloved

3 of a particular or exact sort

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

Synonyms for special

Words Related to special

Near Antonyms for special

Antonyms for special

nonspecific

Frequently Asked Questions About special

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