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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
  • These systems offer extraordinary capabilities for climate modeling, resource optimization and ecological monitoring.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • But parents still have extraordinary power and influence to help their sons navigate the confusing digital messaging onslaught found on their social media feeds.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • On the other side of the equation, the Chiefs’ receiving corps has looked eerily familiar.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The inertia of familiar patterns keeps people locked into old routines.
    Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The severity, healing and availability of Purdy’s toe will depend heavily on which toe is injured and what specific part of the toe got injured.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This is an unusual feature for a screen that’s designed for color-critical design tasks.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • When Macron was here, Mick Jagger was there with his girlfriend, which is quite unusual.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike other ultra-luxury brands that were reconstituted in the past few decades under new ownership, Maybach has intimate century-long ties with its mother, Mercedes-Benz.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Boston and its environs are a treasure trove of intimate spaces and sweeping views, dreamy restaurants and enchanting balconies.
    Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Townshend recalled performing in Chicago at a small club turned roller rink called the Kinetic Playground, 1969 performances with a particularly special opening act.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Xp Lee won a special election in Minnesota on Tuesday to replace Melissa Hortman, the former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, who was assassinated in June.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The plane, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, offers exceptional performance and durability.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Understanding the mechanics behind these exceptional arms can also be applied to neuroscience and could lead to more robots inspired by these adaptable creatures.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • He was acquired, along with closer Victor Vodnik, in a July 2023 trade with the Braves for reliever Pierce Johnson.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 17 Sep. 2025
  • In the last fortnight alone, Starmer's Deputy Prime Minister and close ally Angela Rayner has resigned after a house tax scandal, triggering a major cabinet reshuffle.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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