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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 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
Adjective
  • Unlike many younger trees, this tree exhibits extraordinary adaptations.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Barry has had an extraordinary coaching journey, considering his playing experiences took him no higher than League One, the English game’s third division.
    Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Vanderpump Villa is back with a fresh dose of drama in a stunning new location — and some familiar guests who are ready to shake things up!
    Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Sanchez went on to deliver his familiar mixed bag of erratic distribution and impressive saves at the Emirates Stadium.
    Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Instructions may vary based on the specific medication.
    Sarah Bradley, Health, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The recall affects specific lots of 1.15-ounce Original Beef, which are sold in 12-count pouches, 8-count pouches, and single sticks.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Those were just some of the yet-unheard pieces of evidence brought to light in the case suggesting intimate involvement of Newsmax's top executives and talent in programming decisions.
    Maddy Lauria, NPR, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The photos come about a week after Kelce and his girlfriend Taylor Swift were spotted spending an intimate night out in New York City.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For Cheng, the former captain, the Hong Kong Sevens will always hold a special place – with its sea of costumes and unmatched sense of fun.
    Andrew McNicol, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The remaining three are covers that hold special places in his heart.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025
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
  • The left-back is a constant threat, capable of turning defence into attack through lightning pace and exceptional dribbling.
    Julia Ranney, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Coleman remains one of his closest friends in football and is able to provide insight into the formative parts of his playing and coaching careers.
    Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Since Sullivan’s arrest, there have been calls for a state-level investigation and a closer examination of its safety net for children, including homeschooling practices, around which there is little or no regulation, according to a 2018 Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate report.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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