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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 That bond is what makes this so special every summer. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025 Musk, who served in a special White House post that ended May 30, became sharply critical of Trump’s package of legislative priorities that congressional agencies have said will raise deficit spending and the national debt. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 26 June 2025 That was why this moment—and this fruit—was so special. Tom Downey, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025 Protective and special coatings like anti-glare on TV screens and computer monitors can be worn down and damaged. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for special
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special
Adjective
  • The Teamsters aren’t the only union occupied with emerging technologies’ impact on the future of work.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 25 June 2025
  • These are the only vaccines that still use the preservative today.
    Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair).
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 26 June 2025
  • By pinpointing specific areas where AI can make a quick impact, like root cause analysis, predictive maintenance or knowledge management, the value can be immediate while keeping the enterprise rollout manageable.
    Andreas Eschbach, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Dream Glow and Peaches 'n Cream Barbies The Dream Glow Barbie, released in 1985, is especially beloved for her unique glow-in-the-dark dress.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • Unlike traditional computing, which processes information in binary sequences, quantum computing harnesses the unique properties of quantum mechanics—superposition, entanglement and tunneling—to process complex information in entirely new ways.
    Markus Pflitsch, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Fears over the economic impact of crushing trade tariffs, a worsening geopolitical landscape, and US dollar weakness have all fuelled the precious metal’s price ascension.
    Royston Wild, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • This rare, precious silence was part of what drew Jonathan Grenier and James May, the founders of Ungava Polar Eco-Tours, to set up the company’s outdoor adventure base camp here.
    Chloe Berge, Outside Online, 17 June 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
Adjective
  • Girl names for Cancer Sophia: The beloved first name Sophia has a soft, romantic vibe that suits a thoughtful Cancer. Violet: This name conjures feelings of a misty morning by the sea.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 June 2025
  • The deadly incident occurred during a show by merengue singer Rubby Pérez at the beloved music venue that was celebrating its 50th anniversary.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Saudis have also won their lone Gold Cup match so far, so this is for top spot in the group.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • The lone returnee who played regularly for last season’s NCAA Tournament team is junior guard Aidan Burke.
    Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • My favorite layering combo so far has been with Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 20 June 2025
  • Memorize the names of the colors of the rainbow with the help of a popsicle, JJ's favorite summer treat.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Special.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on special

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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