especial

adjective

i-ˈspe-shəl How to pronounce especial (audio)
Definition of especialnext
Enter your own sentence containing especial , and get words to replace it.
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1
as in extraordinary
being out of the ordinary a candidate who handled the stunning defeat with especial grace

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in familiar
closely acquainted he told his especial friends about the job offer but kept everyone else in the dark

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3
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort with a very ordinary lawn, we don't have any especial need for a gardener

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 But researchers have identified a handful of seismic zones around the globe that are storing up especial amounts of stress and are particularly hazardous. — Aline Reynolds, Discover Magazine, 22 Jan. 2010 See All Example Sentences for especial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especial
  1. extraordinary
  2. familiar
  3. specific
  4. unusual
  5. intimate
  6. special
  7. exceptional
  8. close
Adjective
  • Musk contributed nearly $300 million to elect Trump, but he and his businesses are primed to reap extraordinary profits from his actions as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
  • But the body itself has an extraordinary ability to heal.
    — Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • On stage at Chicago Shakespeare’s Yard theater, the familiar iconography of the jukebox musical, a venerable Anglo-American genre, is being rehearsed.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The president's order will direct McMahon to take all necessary steps permitted by law to dissolve department, according to the sources familiar.
    — Arthur Jones II, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of familiar
Adjective
  • In addition to lifestyle adjustments, specific brain exercises may boost mental agility and improve focus and memory.
    — Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The big picture: More broadly, Democrats also argued the measure leaves out specific instructions on spending and gives too much leeway to the Trump administration and Elon Musk.
    — Peter Sullivan, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • Network security also gets a significant upgrade with the help of AI. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) powered by AI monitor traffic in real time, can flag unusual patterns that might indicate a security breach.
    — Kathleen Walch, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • As a result, Canadians have rejected American imports and issued other economic punishments in an unusual show of patriotism.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • The intimate soirée held by Chioma Nnadi, British Vogue’s head of editorial content, and South African superstar Tyla at Bar des Prés by Cyril Lignac to celebrate the singer’s March 2025 cover.
    — Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025
  • On Thursday, March 6, Hamilton Leithauser kicked off his annual residency at Cafe Carlyle, the intimate posh supper club known primarily for its Marcel Vertès murals, martinis and cabaret and jazz performances by Peter Cincotti, Jeff Goldblum, Sandra Bernhard and others.
    — Frank DiGiacomo, Billboard, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of intimate
Adjective
  • The Raiders view him as a high-level backup and core special teams player, according to a league source.
    — Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Kaley Cuoco has been to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, but one spot holds a special place in her heart.
    — Moná Thomas, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of special
Adjective
  • Less Than 1% Of Brackets Remain Perfect On First Day Of Tournament Don't Overlook Humility Technical skills and strategic thinking are vital, but humility is one of the most defining traits of exceptional leaders.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • When William finally appears in person late in the game, the faceoff between him and Eddie is worth the wait if only just to see these two exceptional actors go at it.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • Many close followers of Barca have remarked on how players seem to understand what the coach wants of them perfectly, which had not always been the case in previous seasons.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The police initially try to write the deaths off as overdoses, but Mickey’s tenacity and persistence force the department to take a closer look.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of close

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Cite this Entry

“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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