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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 Mary Kay annual meeting features a special cheering moment for teachers who sell makeup on the side. Lora Kelley, The Atlantic, 21 May 2025 The wait has been long for Short, who has 18 nominations but last won in 2014, as the host of an AFI Mel Brooks tribute special. Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025 This Charlotte Observer special report takes a closer look at North Carolina’s mental health crisis, and how local young people and adults have been impacted since COVID-19. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025 Wayside Waifs is running a dog adoption special through Sunday. Trish Stinger, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for special
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special
Adjective
  • The Bay Area isn’t the only U.S. city seeing massive growth.
    Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • That’s not the only option for protecting against quantum threats, though; Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Standard (ML-DSA) implementation is also in the works.
    Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Many of the criticisms were based on specific designs.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2025
  • But more commonly it's used to refer to the specific specialized planes — currently Boeing 747-200B models — outfitted with state-of-the-art communications and defense systems, along with lots of other (often highly classified) features.
    Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • But in the middle is this new, unique tea experience.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Samuel Axon The Anno games have a unique identity, and there's a lot to learn for new players, even if those players have played other city builders or economic sims (though, of course, prior background won't hurt).
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • This year, make the brilliant switch to floral jewelry including timeless investments in a variety of precious metals and stones that deliver just the right botanical punch without overwhelming your look.
    Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • For weekend warriors Weekend warriors only get a few precious days in the woods, so a tent that sets up quickly without much effort is a must.
    Christopher Murray 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, 10 May 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
  • One of the area's most beloved trails for hiking and biking is open after being closed nearly a year.
    Flip Putthoff, Arkansas Online, 13 May 2025
  • Two men have been convicted of chopping down the beloved Sycamore Gap tree, which stood for centuries near Hadrian’s Wall in northern England.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • In his lone college season at Duke, Flagg solidified himself as the best prospect in the country, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks.
    Christian Clark, New York Times, 13 May 2025
  • The lone survivor was identified as Anton Tselykh, 38, of Seattle, according to the sheriff's office.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 16 May 2025
  • Series regular Tony Todd, who died last fall, returns for a touching posthumous scene that references another fan favorite character.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Special.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on special

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