1
as in unique
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention
one student who was treated as special by the teacher
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Expect Tulane’s Alec Clark to follow new special teams coach Johnathan Galante from New Orleans.
—
Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
DeSantis has signaled support for redrawing Florida districts during a spring special session.
—Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
Los Angeles County prosecutors have also advanced a special allegation over the use of a deadly weapon, a knife, in the crime.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 7 Jan. 2026
The charge stemmed from an incident in February 2023 when Floyd allegedly assaulted two FBI agents sent on behalf of then-special counsel Jack Smith to serve him with a subpoena related to Smith's federal election subversion probe, according to court records.
—Olivia Rubin, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for special
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special
Adjective
-
Gold, sage and forest green tile flooring lined the area, leading into a room with a pool table and carpet, with a series of unique memorabilia on the walls.—
-
Having the brewery, taproom and supply store under one roof is a unique aspect of the business.—
Adjective
-
But after 9/11, Tagliabue showed a different side, particularly toward league employees who had lost loved ones in the attacks.—
-
Preserving income, insurance and retirement Financial security also depends on preserving income and protecting loved ones.—
Adjective
-
But more than specific features and fixtures, the idea of wellness is becoming a big bathroom selling point.—
-
The final part of the dormancy evolution puzzle is what ecologists refer to as the ecological niche a species occupies — the specific set of conditions that species evolved to exploit or the conditions under which that species is likely to be more successful when compared to other species.—
Adjective
-
The Milestone Club is singular in Charlotte.—
-
For California, where the permitting and construction of homes is infamously slow and costly, the scale of destruction stood as a singular challenge.—
Adjective
-
And, using a tablet will save your phone’s precious battery life for landing.—
-
Three interior pockets keep everything organized, while the tote’s zip closure ensures your precious cargo stays secure.—
Adjective
-
But none of these enticements can conceal the absence of scripts and direction that set a distinctive mood, then deftly navigate every deliberate shift.—
-
Faithfull’s signature, distinctive, melodic, high-register vocals had defined her career, but her voice was permanently altered by severe laryngitis and her persistent drug abuse.—
Adjective
-
There is so much pleasure to be had in rereading old favorites—and part of the joy is meeting beloved characters, who have been updated or somehow arrive in a new form to resist old tropes and types.—
-
Due to the notoriety of the locally beloved sandwich, IndyStar recently held a Tenderloin Tournament to find the establishment that serves the best tenderloin in Indiana.—
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.—
-
Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.—
Cite this Entry
“Special.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share