1
as in extraordinary
being out of the ordinary
a candidate who handled the stunning defeat with especial grace
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of especial
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
Both took especial glee in going after Ramaswamy, a Trump for the millennial set so automatic in his Trumpier-than-thou responses to any question that Christie lampooned him as a sort of ChatGPT version of a Republican candidate.
—Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2023
The city has an especial affinity for literature.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN, 2 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for especial
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
Both took especial glee in going after Ramaswamy, a Trump for the millennial set so automatic in his Trumpier-than-thou responses to any question that Christie lampooned him as a sort of ChatGPT version of a Republican candidate.
—Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2023
The city has an especial affinity for literature.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN, 2 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for especial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especial
Adjective
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But the fundraising efforts have been an extraordinary example of the community that continues to exist, Frenkel said.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The Poster House show is founded on the private collection of Michael Lellouche, who, in his introduction to the accompanying book, points out an extraordinary symbiosis.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The galaxies that are so familiar and ubiquitous in our Universe today will die, at least in a sense, as well.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Feb. 2026
-
And in an increasingly fraught world, the need for a place that feels simple and familiar — one that offers the quiet assurance that everyone belongs — becomes not just understandable, but essential.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Software stocks plunged in early February following the release of a new tool from Anthropic that tailors its model for work in specific industries like legal and finance.—
Hadas Gold,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
During the podcast, Tuinman did not offer any specific details regarding the jailbreaking process.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In the footage and images released by the FBI, the suspect appears to have a gun holstered near the center of his waist – an unusual position – and is seen wearing a backpack with reflective straps.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Austin criminal defense attorney Sam Bassett told CBS affiliate KEYE-TV that a declaration of innocence is very unusual.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The spa The on-site spa is small and intimate, with just a few treatment beds, which makes booking in advance highly recommended.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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His role is to capture those intimate moments just seconds after a performance has finished, becoming the first camera operator in Olympic history to be allowed onto the ice.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
For her 38th birthday, Rih opted to embrace some special vintage Gucci.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
22 Feb. 2026
-
And coaching his daughter has been extra special.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The event will focus on wisdom and wellness, featuring engaging speakers, meaningful conversations, and breathtaking coastal views paired with exceptional cuisine, according to a news release.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
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Sponsored by the Christopher Isherwood Foundation, the award honors exceptional work and encompasses fiction, travel writing, memoir and diary.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Another category that would likely unnerve boards of directors, according to Minow, is close ties with Epstein following his controversial 2008 guilty plea to procuring a minor for prostitution.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
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With Jackson’s death Tuesday, leaders across the region reflected on a legacy that helped shape a generation of local activism and public service — none more so than Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, a close friend for more than five decades.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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