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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
  • From inspiring conservation efforts to incredible animal encounters, our wildlife stories bring you closer to the creatures that make our planet extraordinary.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The combination produced extraordinary resolution and texture, but also a fair share of headaches.
    Tiana DeNicola, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • With spoofing tools, criminals can mimic real bank phone numbers and even use AI to reproduce familiar voices.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The common ingredients are incredible storytellers who are excited about trying to make a series that feels authentic and realistic, and maybe feels familiar, but in a way that also feels elevated and sophisticated.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The work, led by Professor Zijian Li, confirms that the synergistic effect of K+ and C3N4 co-intercalation significantly reduces the electrostatic interaction between Zn2+ and the [VOn] layer, improves the specific capacity and cycling stability.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Get specific prompts to optimize emails, memos and presentations for tone, context and audience.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The novel’s composition is remarkable for the unusual way its eight sections tangentially revolve around the narrator, a West African man named Tunde.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Sabrina Carpenter performed double duty as host and musical guest on the previous episode, which, in an unusual move, kicked off with a non-political cold open.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Eleven men and women died in intimate partner homicides in 2024, nearly double the number killed the previous year, according to the annual Fatality Review Report for Tarrant County.
    Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Through intimate interviews with players, coaches, parents, journalists and opponents, director Kevin Shaw probes media bias, racial stereotypes, community pride and the ethical complexities of youth sports—showing how a moment meant to celebrate young athletes became a lasting stigma.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The arrows don't predict the future or claim special insight.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • In special event zones like one recently established near Petco Park, annual fees for additional spots will jump from $317 to $10,000 — one-third less than the $15,000 proposed by Gloria’s staff.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Sephora‘s Dubai Mall flagship has long been buzzed about by brands as being the productive location in the world, underscoring the region’s exceptional consumer appetite for premium beauty products.
    Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
  • In this way and in many others, Rosalía is exceptional.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump levied his greatest assault against the international economic order, announcing the most expansive set of tariffs in American history on both autocratic adversaries and America’s closest democratic allies in April 2025 (Russia was strikingly excluded).
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Trump, however, made inroads with New Jersey voters in November 2024, making for a surprisingly close race.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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