especially

adverb

es·​pe·​cial·​ly i-ˈspe-shə-lē How to pronounce especially (audio)
-ˈspesh-lē
Synonyms of especiallynext
1
2
a
: in particular : particularly
food seems cheaper, especially meats
b
: for a particular purpose
built especially for research
3
used as an intensive
an especially good essay
nothing especially radical in the remarks

Examples of especially in a Sentence

With the help of his staff, [Tim] Russert was especially good at arming himself for an interview by compiling a politician's previous statements in all their contradictions. Google was his tool and Gotcha his game. David Remnick, New Yorker, 23 June 2008
In 1972, we began nonstop coverage of the Nixon-McGovern presidential campaign. Hunter [S. Thompson] took over my life then—and for many years after that when he was reporting (long nocturnal telephone calls and frequent all-night strategy sessions) and especially when he was writing. He was demanding in his need for time, attention, care, handling and editing. Jann S. Wenner, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2005
Moreover, Gone with the Wind is peopled with characters whose inconsistencies make them interesting, none more so than Scarlett O'Hara, an unattractive, inexplicably seductive antiheroine whom Trollope himself might well have been pleased to dream up on an especially good day. Terry Teachout, National Review, 20 Aug. 2001
… I am a tax dweeb. I like thinking about taxes and writing about taxes, and I really like doing my taxes. Especially since do-it-yourself tax software in a box got so great. Linda Stern, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2000
He was especially concerned about the contract. There is nothing especially radical about that idea. Winning this tournament was especially satisfying. I made this pie especially for you.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Kids will have a blast at the Seaport Museum next door, especially when exploring the mock-village section and tall-mast whaling ship. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026 Another scene that always gives me goosebumps is the one with the birds and winged creatures invading the high-tech production, especially because of the sound work and the powerful voice of Tulipa Ruiz. Kevin Giraud, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026 The result was a total reversal from an opening set where Fritz didn’t give Shelton much of a chance, especially with his serve. José Sánchez Córdova, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026 Centella asiatica brings relief by helping calm inflammation and support the skin barrier, which is especially important when skin feels sensitized or stressed. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for especially

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of especially was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Especially.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/especially. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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