Definition of especialnext
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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 Not every governor hands out rosary beads, especial rosary beads blessed by the late Pope Francis. Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 19 June 2025 To one pursuing the even tenor of his usual routine, the chewing of coca gives no especial sensation, in fact the only result seems to be a negative one, an absence of the customary desire for food and sleep. Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025 Further, studies have shown that people with more abdominal fat have smaller brain volumes especial in areas related to memory and decision making. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 The plan is to install some 17 miles of wildlife fencing to connect habitats and lower vehicle crashes, especial with deer and elk (which can weigh over 1,000 pounds and cause a lot of damage to passenger vehicles). Noël Fletcher, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for especial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especial
Adjective
  • Why Octopuses Can Squeeze Through Incredibly Small Spaces Octopuses have no bones at all, which gives them an extraordinary level of flexibility and control over their bodies.
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
  • After being injected with a mysterious serum, Gabriel gains extraordinary strength, speed, and resilience.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • By the end of that show, the anxiety and isolation that freight life in the closet had burned away, leaving a happy, hopeful ending in place of familiar narrative disaster; love is found, secrecy is banished, and all is well.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Yet, lurking on social media, the appointment unleashed the all-too-familiar torrent of hate, sexism and misogyny.
    Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Gemini May 21 – June 20 Get specific about what’s actually worth your money and energy today.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
  • May 21 – June 20 Get specific about what’s actually worth your money and energy today.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The barbed fact is that the woman caught in the middle of this unusual male arrangement benefits from none of their newfound emotional enlightenment.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Trent Richardson and Saquon Barkley are the only running backs who have been drafted in the top three picks in the last two decades of the NFL draft, but Jeremiyah Love joins that group as the Cardinals take the unusual move of drafting a back this high.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Bicks, McCauley, and Ganeshananthan discuss their experiences with King’s novels and the intimate and personal nature of horror writing.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Photos of their intimate interaction were first released in April.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Featuring one-of-a-kind prints and stand out colors, each piece feels special -- like it was made just for you.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Primary dealers, a special designation set by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, are required to participate in Treasury auctions and submit bids.
    Colin Dodds, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Michael's exceptional work has earned him numerous accolades from prestigious organisations such as the National Geographic, BBC, Virgin Galactic, Canon and Sony.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The Lakers are getting exceptional postseason play from Smart, the longtime Celtics guard who joined Los Angeles this season.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • After entering the game tied at 3 in the ninth, Mets closer Devin Williams allowed two runs in a disastrous final frame to fall to the Twins 5-3 and record their 12th loss in a row, their longest streak since 2002.
    James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Two Southwest Airlines jets got dangerously close near Nashville on Saturday, triggering collision alarms.
    Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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