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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of especial
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
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
See All Example Sentences for especial
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
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
See All Example Sentences for especial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especial
Adjective
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Her credits this decade include a complex and crucial supporting part in Mare of Easttown, an Emmy-winning guest appearance on Hacks, a turn opposite Nicolas Cage in Dream Scenario, and a starring role in Annie Baker’s extraordinary indie film Janet Planet.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
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Nyad is an extraordinary example, but researchers say a positive attitude is key.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The birding site notes that hummingbirds migrate alone, often following familiar paths, and can travel up to 500 miles at a time at speeds of 20 to 30 mph.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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Bogen says the pattern is familiar from older Internet platforms, where small behavioral cues became signals that shaped what users saw and how they were categorized.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Strong feedback is specific, behavior-based, and tied to outcomes.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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The Missouri Secretary of State’s office offers an online tool to help voters look up their specific polling place for this election.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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When a series of tragic failures at New Era Community Health Center left scores of the county’s weakest, poorest and most erratic residents in danger, Florida health inspectors took the unusual step of threatening to shut down the home.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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Many of Barbosa’s followers know him for his unusual feats like holding the Guinness World Record for the fastest visits to every CTA station or sprinting through the United Center during a Bulls game.—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Calle, who is now 72, is known for peeking into the intimate lives of others.—
Elisa Wouk Almino
Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
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The chatbot has faced accusations of generating non-consensual intimate imagery after being prompted by users.—
Miguel Torres,
AZCentral.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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During a special legislative session, the governor was authorized to consolidate neighboring municipalities whose combined population reached at least 15,000, creating a first-class city.—
Elijah Winkler,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
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The day is observed with mourning, reflection and special church services.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The dim sum at Yan Ting, the Cantonese restaurant, is exceptional, each dumpling a small, perfect bite.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
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However, the company says the bike offers exceptional range and ultra-fast charging.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Nevada County’s admission comes as AI programs are under close watch around the globe for introducing incorrect legal references in cases, yet also increasingly offered as tools to help lawyers and judges research and write their briefs, motions and opinions.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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Catcher Danny Jansen hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning to bust open a close game, and the Rangers held on for an 8-5 road win over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday.—
Jim Barnes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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