1
as in extraordinary
being out of the ordinary
a candidate who handled the stunning defeat with especial grace
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in familiar
closely acquainted
he told his especial friends about the job offer but kept everyone else in the dark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort
with a very ordinary lawn, we don't have any especial need for a gardener
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 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
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
-
Holly, who did not share her last name, posed in the familiar tourist style—appearing to hold up the tilted tower.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The fantastic is used to sketch out familiar story lines, but the metaphysical premise remains as vague as the dramatic stakes in the lives of the characters.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital screened 3,508 patients with stage I, II, or III rectal cancer or stage II or III colon cancer, finding that 1,103 of these people had a specific variant in the PI3K pathway – the genetic marker of interest.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Pillars of the Green Transition, which is set to take place next Wednesday, will bring specific case studies on energy storage, food systems and bioenergy to audiences at the magazine's New York headquarters.—
Katherine Fung,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 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
-
While the Second Circuit decidedly disfavors rehearings en banc, the court identifies several exceptional circumstances where petitions are granted.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The show explores the complex fashion icon, Marie Antoinette, and her timeless appeal, defined by her exceptional style and controversial image, which became synonymous with excess—representing youth, decadence, power and notoriety.—
Laia Farran Graves,
Forbes.com,
19 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
Cite this Entry
“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share