Definition of especialnext
1
2
3

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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for especial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especial
Adjective
  • Dylan’s custom Fender Stratocaster reflects both his extraordinary creativity and the pioneering spirit of the American guitar maker.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 June 2026
  • Are Henry James’s heroines, surely among the most extraordinary female characters in literary history, really one-dimensional idols?
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • In mid-January, as Iran crushed wide-scale protests with the mass killing of demonstrators, Israel prepared a covert mission along the Azerbaijan-Iran border, two of the sources familiar with the plans told CNN.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 5 June 2026
  • Broadcom is backstopping payments on the largest portions of the transaction, people familiar with the matter have said.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Accessibility The hotel is fully ADA compliant, with specific guest rooms that feature lowered signage and door viewers, closed-caption televisions, braille room numbers, and emergency assistance systems.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Instead of checking specific boxes and satisfying targets, focus on quality stories and memorable characters.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Since arriving at the zoo, the buffalo has attracted large crowds and sparked debate over its unusual nickname.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
  • What’s unusual is to see these elements presented so grandly on a stage as big as The Bushnell’s and presented in a manner that doesn’t compromise a dark tale of anger, revenge, dangerous romance, desperation and survival.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • The nation’s first fully digital presidential museum features a replica Oval Office, high-tech exhibits, Michelle Obama’s gowns and intimate spaces inviting reflection on policy, race and leadership.
    Sophia Tareen, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • Last weekend, Lipa and Turner made their nuptials official with a more intimate wedding at London’s Old Marylebone Town Hall, amongst a small circle of friends and family.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • In addition, the Urban Summit played a leading role in the special election to recall former Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr.
    Freddrell Green, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2026
  • Today he can be found dressed as Revere at the Paul Revere House or, on special occasions, reenacting the revolutionary’s famous midnight ride.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • Where on one hand, the likes of Stark have enjoyed exceptional sales numbers, LiveWire has been struggling quite a bit.
    Utkarsh Sood June 03, New Atlas, 3 June 2026
  • Things do not go down without a hitch, despite Hollis’s exceptional menu planning and hosting abilities.
    Alessandra Codinha, InStyle, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • But these suites are also closest to the elevators, and the historic walls don’t adequately muffle the sounds of other guests.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Gertrud would keep the girls close, one on either side.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on especial

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster