special
Other forms: specials
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.
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adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose“a special kind of paint”“a special medication for arthritis”
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Synonyms:
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specialised, specialized
developed or designed for a special activity or function
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specialised, specialized
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having a specific function or scope
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for a special service or occasion“a special correspondent”“a special adviser to the committee”“had to get special permission for the event”
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Synonyms:
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extraordinary
beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
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extraordinary
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unique or specific to a person or thing or category“the special features of a computer”“my own special chair”
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synonyms:
particular, peculiar
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specific
(sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique
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specific
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first and most important“his special interest is music”
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synonyms:
particular
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primary
of first rank or importance or value; direct and immediate rather than secondary
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primary
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a special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising
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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?”
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synonyms:
especial, exceptional, particular
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uncommon
not common or ordinarily encountered; unusually great in amount or remarkable in character or kind
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uncommon
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added to a regular schedule“a special holiday flight”“put on special buses for the big game”
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synonyms:
extra
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unscheduled
not scheduled or not on a regular schedule
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unscheduled
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a dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant
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type of:
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dish
a particular item of prepared food
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dish
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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”
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type of:
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TV program, TV show, television program, television show
a program broadcast by television
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TV program, TV show, television program, television show
/ˈspɛʃəl/
/ˈspɛʃəl/
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