SPECIAL-NEEDS Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

special-needs

adjective

Definition of special-needs

as in disabled

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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-needs Roell was later accused of abusing nonverbal special-needs students at Crosby Elementary School, authorities said. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026 The couple had a son, Colin, and founded The Denver Foundation to help special-needs children after Colin was diagnosed with severe autism. — Sophie Clausen, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 Those organizations then help students access educational opportunities ranging from tutoring and special-needs services to career training, educational technology, dual-enrollment courses and private school tuition where appropriate. — Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2026 Reliability becomes even more critical in special-needs transportation environments, where coordination, communication, and timing often carry heightened importance for students, caregivers, and school systems. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 2 June 2026 The great thing about Coverdell accounts is that they can be used before college for expenses like private school, tutoring, uniforms, and even special-needs services. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 2 June 2026 One minute, my paintings were going to HSS; the next, to foster homes — no, schools for special-needs kids. — Blake Crisses, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2026 Alejandro was non-verbal and had attended Greater Heights Academy, a West Kendall school for special-needs children. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026 From there, families often consider tools like a special-needs trust. — Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for special-needs

Adjective

The ailing former movie mogul is also awaiting resentencing in Los Angeles, where he was convicted of rape, and is likely to remain behind bars into his late 80s.

— Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Given that measles is so transmissible, the presence of measles is symptomatic of an ailing public health immunization structure.

— Sheldon H. Jacobson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of ailing

Adjective

Since at least the 1970s and 1980s, there have been incidents of gang rape of intoxicated, incapacitated women in fraternity houses.

— Richard Hall, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
The case has renewed debate over a New York law that critics say can hinder prosecution when people become incapacitated after voluntarily using alcohol or drugs.

— Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of incapacitated

Adjective

Besides rest, a driver should completely give over the keys if they are inebriated or otherwise unfit to drive.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 4 Oct. 2026
They were accused of organizing the crossing of a small boat that was unfit for navigation on the open sea, was overloaded and lacked appropriate life jackets.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of unfit

Adjective

The Support Staff Basic Training program is intended for emerging, diverse writers — BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, over 40 years old — who are based in the eastern half of the United States.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
The manufacturer warns they should not be used on high-risk populations such as kids, pregnant women or disabled people.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of disabled

Adjective

The actors wore makeup to look unwell, used eye drops and petroleum jelly to mimic having conjunctivitis (aka pink eye), and had a fake cough.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026
As the mid-eighties set in and Stevie readied her next solo album, Rock a Little, the singer was visibly unwell.

— Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of unwell

Adjective

Someone who is paraplegic has very different needs than someone who is an ambulatory wheelchair user versus someone who lives in chronic pain.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
On the island, the team makes the acquaintance of Rex (Hayden Chamberlain), a paraplegic dog who has been stranded there for two years and in that time has befriended the dinosaurs and constructed an elaborate treehouse for himself.

— Caspar Salmon, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of paraplegic

Adjective

Compiling and sharing data from large races can also help event organizers assess whether changes like earlier start times or alternate dates help reduce the number of people who get sick or hurt.

— STAT, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
Add a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, a loss, a lawsuit, a sick parent or a partner who travels, and the inventory stops being theoretical.

— Simbiat Adighije, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of sick

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specially

special-needs

specialness

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“Special-needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special-needs. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of special-needs

adjective

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