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
-
specials
plural
-
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
Sensitivity
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.
Synonym Usage
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
Derived Forms
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specialnessnoun
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interspecialadjective
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nonspecialadjective
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superspecialadjective
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speciallyadverb
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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"
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Century 21 Accounting, 9e, Chapters 4-7
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"Glencoe Accounting: Real-World Applications & Connections," Vocabulary from Chapter 11
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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.
See Examples For:
One of the UK's smallest accredited zoos is celebrating after "extra special" pied tamarin twins were born at the site.
From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026
Another flaw of the 1980s-90s plan is a bunker-like special exhibition space, the Hall Napoléon, known for its impressive shows and dreary atmosphere.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026
“We’re working with the building’s owners to put a foundation in place that allows Clifton’s to thrive for another ninety years, bringing Clifton’s special brand of magic to Broadway for generations to come.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2026
This isn’t a special plea for high earners.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 5, 2026
“It’s one of the best-kept secrets of Clarksville. It’s usually off-limits to the public, but we’ve received special permission to take all of you in. We’ll talk about your identities in the cave.”
From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
In comedy specials there’s a difference between storytelling for a cheap laugh and showing us an allegory or something with a deeper meaning within the story.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026
In this world, she’s a 32-year-old comedian with four Netflix stand-up specials and a two-season stint as the host of late-night game show “After Midnight.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2026
She’s lived through it, not the version stand-up bros claim to have suffered during their latest Netflix specials.
From Salon ● Sep. 19, 2026
The hiring search offers a glimpse inside one of the most-watched programs on television and a franchise that has mushroomed to include primetime specials, a YouTube edition and a recent ESPN-branded sports tournament.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026
I remember liking Hercule Poirot TV specials back when I was a kid.
From "The Martian" by Andy Weir
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
