especially

adverb

es·​pe·​cial·​ly i-ˈspe-shə-lē How to pronounce especially (audio)
-ˈspesh-lē
Synonyms of especially
1
: specially sense 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

Synonyms of especially

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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.
That last might be especially true for female human beings who may be more encouraged to have derived an identity based on our role as marital partner or parent. — Gloria Steinem, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026 To be sure, the new law has had a chilling impact, especially on big players. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 Minabe Naoki, head of DeNA’s Entertainment Development Business Unit, said animation production demands an especially high degree of creativity, consistency and attention to detail. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026 But what’s especially interesting is the intensity with which Chad Powers approaches Gerry’s fury and eccentricities. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 3 Sep. 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

Phrases Containing especially

Rhymes for especially

See All Rhymes for especially

Browse Nearby Words

especial
especially
especialness
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Cite this Entry

“Especially.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/especially. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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