Definition of especialnext
1
2
3

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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for especial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especial
Adjective
  • Every accommodation includes distinct furnishings, finishes, and wall coverings seemingly designed around the extraordinary bed at the center of it all.
    Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Force majeure is a legal maneuver that can allow a company to suspend contractual obligations amid extraordinary events.
    NPR Staff, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Kaplan has represented District 1 since 2022, but is a familiar name in local politics.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Nearly every cinematic space voyage, however far flung, brushes up against familiar terrain.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The affair between Clark and Carol called for some fairly ridiculous, kinky and specific acts in a hotel room.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The brand encourages anyone with specific requirements to contact the property directly before booking to discuss options.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Ice cream, water fights, kind people who aren’t weird and don’t smell unusual.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Friday, an unusual time for such events on the island.
    Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • From intimate inns to grand resorts, these legendary establishments are both pillars of their communities and bucket list-worthy accommodations for those visiting.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Gregoire added that Brighton Park liked the fact that Oro’s founding team has deep roots in the procurement industry, giving them an intimate understanding of where legacy systems fall short.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Requiring no special pan, this festive cake is loved by both kids and adults.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
  • But some backpacks are better for travel than others, perhaps designed with isolated shoe compartments, holes to feed your phone charging cable through, jewelry pouches, and special materials that simply wipe clean after picking up germs from public floors.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The royal wave The theming on board is exceptional, with restaurants, bars, beauty parlours and activities, all dusted with Disney glitter.
    Helen Wright, TheWeek, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Jessie Buckley did exceptional work in Hamnet.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The most appropriate action is to drive to the closest shelter available.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The virus can spread through close contact with someone who is infected, such as by sharing food or eating utensils.
    Jasmine Mendez Follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on especial

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!

More from Merriam-Webster