Synonyms of special

special

adjective

ˈspe-shəl 

1

as in only

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 & Similar Words

• only
• unique
• one
• lone
• sole
• singular
• single
• solitary
• distinctive
• alone
• sui generis
• distinct
• one-off
• unequalled
• unrivalled
• unparalleled
• incomparable
• matchless
• inimitable
• unrivaled
• unequaled
• peerless
• unaccompanied
• solo
• unattended
• unsurpassable
• separate
• unmatched
• individual
• unsurpassed
• nonce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• myriad
• multifarious
• miscellaneous
• mixed
• varied
• manifold
• popular
• assorted
• heterogenous
• prevalent
• promiscuous
• prevailing
• divers
• recurrent
• patchwork
• perennial
• rampant
• motley
• repeated

2

as in loved

granted special treatment or attention

one student who was treated as special by the teacher

Synonyms & Similar Words

• loved
• precious
• beloved
• cherished
• favorite
• sweet
• darling
• dear
• pet
• favored
• adored
• appreciated
• fond
• admired
• fair-haired
• white-headed
• revered
• esteemed
• treasured
• preferred
• prized
• relished

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disliked
• ignored
• despised
• forgotten
• hated
• detested
• abhorred
• disfavored
• loathed
• unbeloved
• abandoned
• unfavorite
• disdained
• alienated
• abominated
• execrated
• estranged

3

as in specific

of a particular or exact sort

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• specific
• precise
• sole
• distinct
• specialized
• express
• peculiar
• concrete
• especial
• only
• unique
• distinctive
• single
• set
• limited
• separate
• exclusive
• individual
• solitary
• restricted
• lone
• specified
• differentiated
• given

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonspecific
• general
• universal
• generic
• generalized
• nonexclusive

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

Recent Examples of special

Everything else had to be washed with a special antimicrobial detergent. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Kansas coach Bill Self already has a special connection with UTEP transfer guard Ahamad Bynum. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025

Why the Chargers drafted him: When picking this far at the end of the draft, special teams tends to be the first fit, and Bridges is eager to apply his skills. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025

Lawmakers can call themselves back to the Capitol in Boise for special sessions with a petition signed by at least 60% of the House and Senate. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2025

Phrases Containing special

• special interest