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
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 especially
Elsewhere, Drew opens up to Angela about the emotional toll of her divorce—especially the court-ordered back-and-forth with Ralph.
—
Shelby Stewart, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s favorite Pacific resort town in Mexico can sometimes feel like a tourist bubble for Americans and Canadians, especially over winter and spring break, when the gays descend.
—Jd Shadel, Them., 21 Apr. 2025
Many recipients become adept at interpreting the electrodes’ signals as intelligible sounds, especially if the implantation is done in infancy, but others struggle.
—David Owen, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa Cabrera also loves the Kulfi mascara, especially the lash brush (which, admittedly, could take some getting used to).
—Bianca Lambert, Glamour, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for especially
Shelby Stewart, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s favorite Pacific resort town in Mexico can sometimes feel like a tourist bubble for Americans and Canadians, especially over winter and spring break, when the gays descend.
—Jd Shadel, Them., 21 Apr. 2025
Many recipients become adept at interpreting the electrodes’ signals as intelligible sounds, especially if the implantation is done in infancy, but others struggle.
—David Owen, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa Cabrera also loves the Kulfi mascara, especially the lash brush (which, admittedly, could take some getting used to).
—Bianca Lambert, Glamour, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for especially
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especially
Adverb
-
Vought previously criticized federal bureaucrats in private speeches in 2023 and 2024, particularly the EPA, according to reporting by the nonprofit investigative news site Pro Publica.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
-
So much more defense spending, particularly on the European and Canadian side, which is necessary, but also ramping up defense industrial production.—
Michel Martin,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Though experts have maintained that aviation remains extremely safe, fatal incidents have raised concerns about flying.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Revel is extremely talented, but the Bills need a corner who can step in and be good to go from the beginning of the season.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Most notably, Charlotte and Stratton engaged in a promo battle on SmackDown that was widely criticized, especially in regards to Stratton’s lackluster performance in the segment.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
-
There are many misconceptions about exotic leather — notably the python, crocodile, and alligator skins that are transformed into the fashion industry’s most luxe handbags and leather goods.—
Lauren Parker,
Footwear News,
18 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Others, such as New Jersey, have created protocols specifically for getting people with upcoming travel plans their new IDs quickly.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Resuming trade Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, declined to comment specifically about Walmart but said a resumption in shipments was not a surprise.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Miami closed to within 85-79 very late in the third, a stretch when Miami briefly gave the Cavs problems with their zone defense.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2025
-
In the end, Carolyn was very pleased with the ease of it all.—
Archway Homes,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
The natural world is finally blooming, and spring TV is starting to look pretty vibrant, too.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
-
If owners are concerned that their dog sleeps too much, PetMD recommends introducing more stimulation to their day.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Our minds, for all their attunement to the nuances of the physical world—the subtle shifts in light, the micro-expressions that move on the faces of other people—are not terribly adept at perceiving those distinctions through the filters of airwaves and screens.—
Megan Garber,
The Atlantic,
29 Apr. 2025
-
This price isn't terribly juicy, hence the recommendation to wager a half-unit instead of a full unit.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Within the first 100 days of his second administration President Donald Trump has been incredibly busy, implementing major changes from enacting tariffs to targeting diversity initiatives.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
-
From ten miles out on approach the time goes incredibly quickly, and in a procedure based on no sudden moves, getting the descent, speed and touchdown right seems almost impossible.—
Larry Olmsted,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Especially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especially. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share