1
as in extraordinary
being out of the ordinary
a candidate who handled the stunning defeat with especial grace
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of especial
The city has an especial affinity for literature.
—
Leah Asmelash, CNN, 2 Mar. 2022
Delivery is important in any form of storytelling, and in observational comedy cadence is the especial engine of wit.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2023
This project had drawn his attention to Pine Island Bay as a coastal area where the outer edge of glaciers might calve or break apart into icebergs with especial rapidity.
—Marissa Grunes, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2023
Years later, a place detective, who has suffered her own loss, travels to the village to reopen the case and develops an especial bond with the missing boy’s mother, who has never given up hope that Briel could still be alive.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 11 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for especial
Leah Asmelash, CNN, 2 Mar. 2022
Delivery is important in any form of storytelling, and in observational comedy cadence is the especial engine of wit.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2023
This project had drawn his attention to Pine Island Bay as a coastal area where the outer edge of glaciers might calve or break apart into icebergs with especial rapidity.
—Marissa Grunes, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2023
Years later, a place detective, who has suffered her own loss, travels to the village to reopen the case and develops an especial bond with the missing boy’s mother, who has never given up hope that Briel could still be alive.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 11 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for especial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especial
Adjective
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This extraordinary high-altitude migration highlights the their unique physiological adaptations, offering valuable insight into how animals can evolve to overcome extreme environmental challenges.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
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But Madigan’s extraordinary four days of testimony, in the end, weren’t enough.—
Ray Long,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2025
Adjective
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Playing familiar music can make using the toilet feel like a fun, comfortable activity, rather than a scary one.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
12 June 2025
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The high school journey for Hiram Johnson’s students came to a close Wednesday with familiar themes in a new location.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
None of the companies had any comment on specific deals.—
Allison Lampert,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
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North American availability and pricing haven't been officially confirmed for this specific edition, but estimates based on potential importation suggest a possible starting point slightly over US $180,000.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
14 June 2025
Adjective
-
Hamas issued an unusual warning about another hostage, Matan Zangauker, saying Israel's military had surrounded the area where he's held and that any harm that came to him during a rescue attempt would be Israel's responsibility.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 June 2025
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These however, are unusual times that call for something more.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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Its reign is now over, thanks to the arrival of a neighbor that’s even more intimate and determinedly low-profile.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
13 June 2025
-
The operation, which would have required extensive planning and an intimate knowledge of the archive’s location and security, pushed the first Trump administration to withdraw from the original nuclear agreement with Iran, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).—
Leila Gharagrozlou,
CNN Money,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from doctors and dermatologists.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
14 June 2025
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The fee-free days only waive fees for standard amenities, which do not include fees or costs associated with campground reservations, cabin rentals or special tours.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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From San Francisco to Seoul, these 58 extraordinary watering holes serve up exceptional cocktails, stunning design and world-class service.—
Forbes Staff,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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Barring an exceptional situation, such as an injury crisis, he is not expected to play regularly for the first team — despite appearing in five games this season and scoring his first senior goal in May.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2025
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And Tanner Scott, a $72 million reigning All-Star closer, has blown several save opportunities.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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