1
as in particularly
in the specific case of one person or thing as distinguished from others all employees, but especially the administrative assistants, will need to learn to use the new phone system

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in notably
in regard to something mentioned explicitly or in detail he especially minded the proposed changes to the work schedule

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 especially That pearl of wisdom feels especially relevant in today’s yachting world. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2025 Add up to ¼ cup more water if necessary, especially if not including banana. Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2025 But the new data reintroduces a layer of uncertainty into that timeline, especially as inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target. Benzinga, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2025 Here’s what to avoid: Raw or undercooked meat and seafood: Raw seafood and rare steaks can be dangerous, especially in hot climates or inland areas where seafood may not be fresh. Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for especially
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especially
Adverb
  • This is particularly challenging when locating albums named and shared by others.
    Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Some of the settings are extremely well chosen and designed, particularly the tawdry Taco Hut law offices (in contrast to the chic modernity of the Tinsley Britt workplace) and a dingy seaside diner where people keep having meetings.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Dern’s casting as Hank's mom was extremely meaningful to Butler, whose mother Lori died of cancer in 2014.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Having a healthy Parsons ready to rock for the team's matchup against the Lions will be extremely important.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • This will be a titan in the artisan races, notably production design, cinematography, editing, sound and with a rapturous score by Max Richter, who creates beautiful original music.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Both the author and the narrator succeed notably in this funny, trenchant debut novel.
    AudioFile Magazine August 29, Literary Hub, 29 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Now, the candidates for New York City mayor have taken their face-off to the gym − specifically, the bench press rack.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
  • For example, in females, the presence of early-stage wounds (specifically stages one and two), indicated a mating period in late spring to early summer.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • There will also be fun for the kids in their very own Kids Fun Zone.
    Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Except for very special occasions, videos longer than a few seconds are much less likely to be re-watched or shared.
    Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • With nearly 70,000 collective likes on Instagram and TikTok, the video stands as a reminder that a traditional critic like me can be influenced, too.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • All 12 dogs were saved, and most have been adopted, too!
    Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 29 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • But dashing from one building to another for meetings wasn’t a terribly efficient way of working.
    Dana Thomas, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2025
  • But something went terribly wrong when, about nine years ago, David was out on a mission ordered by Juno: and he and his team were ambushed.
    Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Short n’ Sweet, but anticipation for her next project is incredibly high.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Photo: Levi Kelly A house this small needs to be incredibly efficient.
    Levi Kelly, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Especially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especially. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on especially

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!