1
as in particularly
in the specific case of one person or thing as distinguished from others
all employees, but especially the administrative assistants, will need to learn to use the new phone system
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in extremely
to a great degree
that university is especially strong in the sciences
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in notably
in regard to something mentioned explicitly or in detail
he especially minded the proposed changes to the work schedule
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of especially
For many families, especially those adjusting to a new country, language, or health care system, pregnancy can feel overwhelming.
—
Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
As spring progresses, the Dodgers will continue to dial them up with precaution, especially at the start of the season when more hands on deck are required because some pitchers are still building up their stamina.
—Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
—Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
The boiling bin freezing especially scares me.
—Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for especially
Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
As spring progresses, the Dodgers will continue to dial them up with precaution, especially at the start of the season when more hands on deck are required because some pitchers are still building up their stamina.
—Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
—Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
The boiling bin freezing especially scares me.
—Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for especially
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especially
Adverb
-
Room for Disagreement As enthusiasm for antitrust action in Washington fades, Europe remains a beacon of hope for anti-consolidation activists, and particularly those focused on tech.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
-
That low approval, along with the lack of a de facto party leader, has led to a number of Democratic lawmakers offering their views on how the party can make gains among the electorate, particularly working-class voters.—
Max Rego,
The Hill,
16 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Perhaps, on extremely long timescales, those heavier elements will sink to the center of the core, producing an inert center that slows the rate of fusion even further.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Even in hockey – a sport that is extremely popular around the world – there are terms used by commentators or pundits that you might not be accustomed to hearing if not a regular to the sport.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
In preseason this was the overriding message to a roster that returns more than 20 players from last year, notably more than recent groups.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The letter lands the middle of the 2026 edition of the Berlinale in which the topics of politics has become a central theme, most notably following comments by jury head Wim Wenders in the opening press conference.—
William Earl,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Designed specifically for those under 5-foot-4, these jeans are shaping and offer all-day support.—
Melony Forcier,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Major outdoor scenes took place in the sweeping moors of Yorkshire Dales National Park, specifically the unspoiled valley of Swaledale, known for picturesque landscapes comprising rivers, meadows and hills covered in swaths of wildflowers.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The hydropower generators at Greers Ferry Dam had been idle all day, so the Little Red was very low, with just a hint of current.—
Bryan Hendricks,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Progress appeared to be very little, as Iran has sought to limit the discussions to solely its nuclear program.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The man is facing a charge of grossly negligent homicide, with state prosecutors in Innsbruck accusing him of making multiple errors, including seeking help too late and not carrying suitable equipment.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
So too, have many other parts of Highland Park that were once part of the fabric of the community.—
Andrés Soto,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
But as soon as their baby is born, despite the reassurance of all around her, Saga knows there’s something terribly wrong with her son.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The plot weaves together elements of romance, family drama and feminist struggle against the backdrop of a space walk gone terribly awry.—
Brianne Kane,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Searching for a desirable fall 1991 Yohji Yamamoto Homme leather jacket or an incredibly elusive fanny pack from Louis Vuitton’s 1996 collaboration with Vivienne Westwood?—
Alexandra Hildreth,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Perhaps incredibly, Franciosa and Rubi did not immediately hang up the phone.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Especially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especially. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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