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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective especial differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of especial are individual, particular, special, and specific. While all these words mean "of or relating to one thing or class," especial may add implications of preeminence or preference.

a matter of especial importance

Where would individual be a reasonable alternative to especial?

Although the words individual and especial have much in common, individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group.

valued each individual opinion

In what contexts can particular take the place of especial?

The meanings of particular and especial largely overlap; however, particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual.

a ballet step of particular difficulty

When could special be used to replace especial?

The synonyms special and especial are sometimes interchangeable, but special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own.

special ingredients

When is specific a more appropriate choice than especial?

The words specific and especial are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species.

children with specific nutritional needs

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 especial The city has an especial affinity for literature. Leah Asmelash, CNN, 2 Mar. 2022 Delivery is important in any form of storytelling, and in observational comedy cadence is the especial engine of wit. Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2023 People who live in assisted living facilities are at especial risk for dying from COVID-19. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2020 This project had drawn his attention to Pine Island Bay as a coastal area where the outer edge of glaciers might calve or break apart into icebergs with especial rapidity. Marissa Grunes, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for especial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especial
Adjective
  • Here are examples of extraordinary deductions taxpayers have asked for and received from the IRS.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The show chronicles the extraordinary real-life journey of Molly Kochan, a woman who set out to explore her sexuality after being diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And then, aren’t cats emblematic of whatever is familiar but ultimately unknowable?
    Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
  • But if the screaming sirens and looming threats to life and property are familiar, this year is different, experts say, with fewer National Weather Service employees on the job because of layoffs by President Donald Trump and less data about weather approaching from the Great Plains states.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The president revealed that the U.S. will place additional tariffs on specific countries, for example China, which have benefited from large trade surpluses with the U.S.
    Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Ryan Coogler brings so much style to this very cool blend of a specific period, genres, and Black culture.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Read More | McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of the most unusual and intriguing new species.
    Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cruise cancellations are relatively unusual but can happen for a number of other reasons, including when a ship is chartered or needs to go to dry dock.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The new releases arrive amid a fresh wave of activity for the duo, who kicked off their anniversary run in 2023 with a handful of intimate live shows, performing Moon Safari in full for the first time.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025
  • This novel is an intimate exploration into the impact of identity on ourselves, the true meaning of legacy and resentment and forgiveness between families.
    Angie Thomas, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • What makes her special is that while in the NCAA, Nugent frequently competed in the 100-meter hurdles and 100-meter dash, earning several All-American honors in both events.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account - free of charge.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Organizations that resist this model risk missing out on exceptional talent that no longer fits the climb-the-ladder blueprint.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There are several international destinations where pickpocketing is extremely common, so having all of my essentials close is a priority.
    Jordyn Burrell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The six-point halftime margin would be the closest Boise State would be to Nebraska for the rest of the game.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on especial

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