especial

adjective

i-ˈspe-shəl How to pronounce especial (audio)
Definition of especialnext
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 special
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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective especial differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of especial are individual, particular, special, and specific. While all these words mean "of or relating to one thing or class," especial may add implications of preeminence or preference.

a matter of especial importance

Where would individual be a reasonable alternative to especial?

Although the words individual and especial have much in common, individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group.

valued each individual opinion

In what contexts can particular take the place of especial?

The meanings of particular and especial largely overlap; however, particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual.

a ballet step of particular difficulty

When could special be used to replace especial?

The synonyms special and especial are sometimes interchangeable, but special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own.

special ingredients

When is specific a more appropriate choice than especial?

The words specific and especial are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species.

children with specific nutritional needs

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 This oath certainly applies, in an especial manner, to their conduct in their official character. — Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025 Not every governor hands out rosary beads, especial rosary beads blessed by the late Pope Francis. — Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 19 June 2025 To one pursuing the even tenor of his usual routine, the chewing of coca gives no especial sensation, in fact the only result seems to be a negative one, an absence of the customary desire for food and sleep. — Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for especial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especial
  1. extraordinary
  2. familiar
  3. special
  4. unusual
  5. intimate
  6. specific
  7. exceptional
  8. close
Adjective
  • However, the extraordinary part is putting it all together, delivering 100 MW net, fitting the system aboard a movable ship, and doing it for $587 million.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In this state, the fluid gains extraordinary heat capacity and flow properties, carrying more thermal energy to the surface with minimal flow resistance.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • The point is to make the brand’s Parisian identity travel throughout its 56 markets without turning it into a collection of familiar cues and clichés.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • In the campaign video, Kelce arrives at New York’s iconic The Plaza Hotel and greets a few familiar A-list faces before heading to his room to relax with an adorable, fluffy white dog.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of familiar
Adjective
  • An 85-yard punt return for a touchdown late in the third quarter gave Oregon a 27-20 lead, and after Boise State battled back to go ahead 34-27, the Broncos’ special teams unit gave up a game-tying 100-yard kickoff return.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 4 Sep. 2026
  • On the other hand, Sanders and the Buffaloes will need to work on special teams despite Carter’s brilliant rush off the edge during that field goal block.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of special
Adjective
  • While his batting order remains unchanged, the team has made an unusual move, relocating Guerrero's locker to a new spot.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Land exchanges are common elsewhere in the federal government, but exchanging National Park Service land for private development access is unusual, NOTUS reported, citing a former park service official.
    — Annie Palmer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • With Diane Lane narrating from Eleanor’s journals during that time, Making Marie Antoinette transcends a behind-the-scenes special and becomes a much more intimate look into the artistry of a mother and daughter in conversation with each other.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • And given the intimate size of the hotel, expect to drink a few too many G&Ts with them once evenings swing around.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of intimate
Adjective
  • The Vikings will use him on special teams and as a game-plan-specific blitzer.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Lives built around specific products, even at a few thousand followers, are becoming a viable path to affiliate income.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • Sharif said Noreen displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty by risking her life to save the newborn moments before the nursery burned down.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Founders who recently had one exceptional year sometimes assume that year represents their new baseline, when a buyer will more likely average the last three years, or discount the outlier entirely.
    — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • California Cruise is even closer than expected, with deliveries slated to begin next year.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The success of this trial was possible through the close and constructive cooperation between the participating German Air Force organisations, the exercise management team and the expert teams from Rheinmetall Air Defence and Hensoldt.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of close

Phrases Containing especial

Browse Nearby Words

esotericism
especial
especially
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Cite this Entry

“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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