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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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especial
Adjective
  • Tusk, the Polish prime minister, convened an extraordinary government meeting early on Wednesday, bringing together the country's emergency and military officials.
    Will Gretsky, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • France’s Prime Minister Francois Bayrou delivers his general policy statement during the parliamentary extraordinary session prior to a confidence vote over the government’s austerity budget, at the National Assembly in Paris on September 8, 2025.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In this way, its role as a familiar calendar entity argues profoundly for itself, unsinkable and ever-long.
    Jordan Michelman, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Now, the Dragons (1-0) will face a familiar foe in Hebron.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The study, published August 4, 2025, in Nature Communications, could reshape how protective materials are designed, opening doors to lighter, more efficient, and application-specific shock-absorbing solutions.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
  • And bets of $10 or more on higher-risk parlays — gambling that two or more specific things will happen — also will be free of the charge.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Because our mulch is rubber, this seemed unusual, and out of caution, the guardian was called immediately.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Routh, who is representing himself, has filed unusual motions requesting strippers and a golf round with the president.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Premiering at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, BRATS offers an intimate look at the group's cultural impact in films such as The Breakfast Club (1985), Back to the Future (1985) and Pretty in Pink (1986), as well as behind-the-scenes footage and promotional clips.
    Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Through these events, the collective bridges intimate gatherings with cultural institutions, extending their commitment to visibility and care.
    Essence, Essence, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The winner of next year’s special election will keep the seat until the end of Rubio’s original term in 2028.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • As Vevo’s Senior Manager of Talent Booking, Cynthia Todd emphasized the close partnership and trust that goes into making opportunities like these special performances come together in Live From Vevo Studios.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Angela Grothaus and Lisa Human have been promoted to partners, recognizing their exceptional leadership and dedication to client service, the release said.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The ceremony will also recognize Brunello Cucinelli, who will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award for exceptional contributions and lasting impact on the fashion industry.
    Essence, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Looking back at Charlotte’s recent FCS opponents, dating back to 2021, the 49ers haven’t won the turnover battle in any of the four matchups, resulting in uncomfortably close games and even a lopsided loss to William & Mary in 2022.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • As Vevo’s Senior Manager of Talent Booking, Cynthia Todd emphasized the close partnership and trust that goes into making opportunities like these special performances come together in Live From Vevo Studios.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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