special
Americanadjective
-
of a distinct or particular kind or character.
a special kind of key.
- Antonyms:
- general
-
being a particular one; particular, individual, or certain.
You'd better call the special number.
-
pertaining or peculiar to a particular person, thing, instance, etc.; distinctive; unique.
the special features of a plan.
-
having a specific or particular function, purpose, etc..
a special messenger.
-
distinguished or different from what is ordinary or usual: to fix something special.
a special occasion;
to fix something special.
- Synonyms:
- singular
-
extraordinary; exceptional, as in amount or degree; especial.
special importance.
-
being such in an exceptional degree; particularly valued.
a special friend.
-
Sometimes Offensive. pertaining to people with singular needs or disabilities, or to their education.
disabled students with special needs;
state funding for special schools.
noun
-
a special person or thing.
-
a train used for a particular purpose, occasion, or the like.
-
a special edition of a newspaper.
-
Theater. a spotlight reserved for a particular area, property, actor, etc..
Give me the coffin special.
-
a temporary, arbitrary reduction in the price of regularly stocked goods, especially food; a particularly worthwhile offer or price.
The special this week is on sirloin steaks.
-
Television. a single program not forming part of a regular series.
adjective
-
distinguished, set apart from, or excelling others of its kind
-
(prenominal) designed or reserved for a particular purpose
a special tool for working leather
-
not usual or commonplace
-
(prenominal) particular or primary
his special interest was music
-
denoting or relating to the education of physically or mentally handicapped children
a special school
noun
-
a special person or thing, such as an extra edition of a newspaper or a train reserved for a particular purpose
-
a dish or meal given prominence, esp at a low price, in a café, etc
-
slang history a convict given special treatment on account of his education, social class, etc
-
short for special constable
-
informal an item in a store that is advertised at a reduced price; a loss leader
verb
Sensitive Note
In the 20th century, special was used freely as a modifier describing services or accessibility resources for people with disabilities or disabled people's functional needs, and sometimes as a euphemism for disabled to label the people themselves. Most euphemistic language for disabilities and people with disabilities is no longer preferred, and special used in this way may be considered offensive, especially when used to describe a person. The phrase special needs is somewhat more accepted, but is less common than it used to be. Instead, when possible, make reference to the specific disability in question. However, the fixed expression special education is still an official designation in public education and continues to be used, even by speakers who otherwise avoid special and its compounds.
Usage
In American English the adjective special is overwhelmingly more common than especial in all senses: He will be of special help if you can't understand the documentation. The reverse is true of the adverbs; here especially is by far the more common: He will be of great help, especially if you have trouble understanding the documentation. Only when the sense “specifically” is intended is specially more idiomatic: The machine was specially designed for use by a left-handed operator.
Related Words
Special, particular, specific refer to something pointed out for attention and consideration. Special means given unusual treatment because of being uncommon: a special sense of a word. Particular implies something selected from the others of its kind and set off from them for attention: a particular variety of orchid. Specific implies plain and unambiguous indication of a particular instance, example, etc.: a specific instance of cowardice.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of special
First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English (adjective), from Latin speciālis “of a given species,” equivalent to speci(ēs) “form, kind, sort” + -ālis adjective suffix; see species, -al 1, especial
Explanation
Special means "better than ordinary." Like the self-portrait you lovingly painted as a surprise for your sweetie's birthday, something special is distinct, and surpasses the norm. Something special is looked upon with affection, surpasses expectations, or has a particular role. It can also be a featured attraction or limited-run occurrence — like when there's a special on television or a special on cheese at the store. Ray Charles said, “Love is a special word, and I use it only when I mean it. You say the word too much and it becomes cheap.” Take this sweet crooner’s advice and don’t wear out special sentiments.
Vocabulary lists containing special
"The Lotus Seed"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Century 21 Accounting, 9e, Chapters 4-7
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Glencoe Accounting: Real-World Applications & Connections," Vocabulary from Chapter 11
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The promotion will also offer "high roller" packages for some VIP guests, granting them special access at the event.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
Centerview banker Matthieu Pigasse secured the deal with support from Mauricio Claver-Carone, a former Trump special envoy.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
Cooney, a top attorney in Jack Smith’s special counsel’s office who helped lead the investigations and prosecutions of Trump.
From Slate • May 26, 2026
The orchestra has also made Salonen creative director, which means he will lead the orchestra for up to six weeks a season, develop special projects and generally help mold its vision.
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
A father who was a general, who would have special ways to find out what happened in France.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
