special

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.

Definitions of special
  1. adjective
    adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose
    “a special kind of paint”
    “a special medication for arthritis”
    Synonyms:
    specialised, specialized
    developed or designed for a special activity or function
  2. adjective
    having a specific function or scope
    “a special (or specific) role in the mission”
    synonyms: limited
    specific
    (sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique
  3. adjective
    for a special service or occasion
    “a special correspondent”
    “a special adviser to the committee”
    “had to get special permission for the event”
    Synonyms:
    extraordinary
    beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
  4. adjective
    unique or specific to a person or thing or category
    “the special features of a computer”
    “my own special chair”
    synonyms: particular, peculiar
    specific
    (sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique
  5. adjective
    first and most important
    “his special interest is music”
    synonyms: particular
    primary
    of first rank or importance or value; direct and immediate rather than secondary
  6. noun
    a special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising
    “they are having a special on pork chops”
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    type of:
    offer, offering
    something offered (as a proposal or bid)
  7. adjective
    surpassing what is common or usual or expected
    “a special occasion”
    “a special reason to confide in her”
    “what's so special about the year 2000?”
    synonyms: especial, exceptional, particular
    uncommon
    not common or ordinarily encountered; unusually great in amount or remarkable in character or kind
  8. adjective
    added to a regular schedule
    “a special holiday flight”
    “put on special buses for the big game”
    synonyms: extra
    unscheduled
    not scheduled or not on a regular schedule
  9. noun
    a dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant
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    type of:
    dish
    a particular item of prepared food
  10. noun
    a television production that features a particular person or work or topic
    “the last of a series of BBC specials on Iran is being shown tonight”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    TV program, TV show, television program, television show
    a program broadcast by television
Word Family