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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 The oxygen and nitrogen molecules also emit ultraviolet light, which can only be detected by special cameras on satellites. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 16 Sep. 2025 The vacant Senate District 26 seat -- formerly held by Stubblefield -- will be filled through a special election that will be set by the governor. Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025 Martin said that the party’s work in New Jersey would reveal how the country has turned on the GOP, after a run of Democratic overperformances in special elections. David Weigel, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Last September, the Gophers’ 27-14 loss to Michigan was marred by a Minnesota special teams player being flagged for offside on an onside kick that Minnesota recovered. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for special
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special
Adjective
  • After the shell is created, it is filled with a unique silicone gel, which helps give the implant a soft, natural look and feel.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Hilfigers have lived in many places from Manhattan to the Caribbean island of Mustique, and each of their homes is different and exudes a unique approach to design and life.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, those wages are so low that families must send their own money into prison to help support their loved one.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Charlie Kirk's murder is sick and reprehensible, and our thoughts are with his family, children, and loved ones.
    Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Researchers from Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital screened 3,508 patients with stage I, II, or III rectal cancer or stage II or III colon cancer, finding that 1,103 of these people had a specific variant in the PI3K pathway – the genetic marker of interest.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Pillars of the Green Transition, which is set to take place next Wednesday, will bring specific case studies on energy storage, food systems and bioenergy to audiences at the magazine's New York headquarters.
    Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • When employers look past pedigrees and see workers’ singular abilities, histories, and motivations, skills gaps disappear.
    Ryan Stowers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • There is no one and nothing like her—singular, bizarre, dedicated, passionate, fascinating.
    Julia Hass, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There were precious few protesters in Windsor, too.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • My precious Nola is in middle school now.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s no barbecue in Georgia quite like Fresh Air’s, and no restaurant better represents the state’s storied and distinctive style.
    Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The brands that survive won’t be the most polished—they’ll be the most distinctive.
    Erik Huberman, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the Season 1 finale, the Game Maker seemed to be two steps ahead of Morgan and Adam, and even kidnapped their beloved coworker Detective Lev Osman (Deniz Akdeniz), horrifyingly leaving him trapped at the bottom of a pool.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Joined by beloved Hallmark guest judges each week, one contestant will be sent 'home for the holidays,' while the winner lands a leading role in one of this year's Countdown to Christmas movies.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 17 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 19 Sep. 2025.

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