especially

adverb

i-ˈspe-shə-lē How to pronounce especially (audio)
Definition of especiallynext
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 However, immigrant communities in Charlotte and North Carolina still face challenges, especially on the state level. — Diamy Wang july 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026 Someone could also challenge your perspective, especially online or in conversation. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 That said, product use and sun protection should be top of mind, especially when the summer season preys on weaker bonds. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 3 July 2026 Swimming is one of the best ways to cool off during a Texas summer, especially over the Fourth of July weekend. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for especially
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especially
  1. particularly
  2. extremely
  3. notably
  4. specifically
  5. very
  6. too
  7. terribly
  8. incredibly
Adverb
  • When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
  • In severe cases, particularly when other treatments have failed, a hysterectomy with or without removal of the ovaries may also be considered.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of particularly
Adverb
  • The team turned to the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory, a stadium-sized synchrotron facility that produces extremely bright X-ray beams.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • Teasing out the impact of a small dose of radiation that occurs in addition to all those other exposures is extremely challenging, and the impact of extremely low exposures has not been decisively demonstrated.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026
Definition of extremely
Adverb
  • The event will feature barbecue ribs and brisket, games, giveaways, sleeping bags, and, notably, no fireworks.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Some business leaders – notably Michael Dell and Ray Dalio – have pledged through their foundations to make one-time $250 seed contributions to the accounts of children from middle- to lower-income households.
    — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of notably
Adverb
  • Prosecutors specifically named two addresses tied to the longtime real estate developer, including a museum in Concord associated with Willow View Associates.
    — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • And specifically with regard to crime stories, the best ones are always really about what lies behind the decision, or the impetus, to commit crimes in the first place.
    — Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 6 July 2026
Definition of specifically
Adverb
  • Dior presented its Diorissima collection at Villa Dior, a space dedicated to Dior’s very important customers (VICs).
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 10 July 2026
  • The stewards of the forest About 100 miles northwest of the Tahoe Basin, lower down in the foothills, survivors of the epic 2018 Camp fire that destroyed the town of Paradise have a very different relationship with forest stewards.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of very
Adverb
  • Spindle said the Samueli Foundation has launched a third fund, OC Plus, that’s aimed at helping local nonprofits collaborate on projects that might be too big, or too complex, for a single nonprofit.
    — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
  • But that is labor intensive, and when a fire burns thousands of acres, the time and cost involved can be too high.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of too
Adverb
  • But everyone on the Spurs shot terribly from deep in the clutch.
    — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Wonderfully and terribly, everything does happen for Maddie after her adoring bear of a husband, Jake (Eric Rahill), makes a cooking video of her that goes massively viral.
    — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Definition of terribly
Adverb
  • Each location was incredibly challenging, but each location was challenging in a different way.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 6 July 2026
  • Dan, your schedule is incredibly busy with this, Rick and Morty, Krapopolis and execing on Haunted Hotel.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 July 2026
Definition of incredibly

Browse Nearby Words

especial
especially
espial
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Cite this Entry

“Especially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especially. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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