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
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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
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
People who live in assisted living facilities are at especial risk for dying from COVID-19.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2020
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
But researchers have identified a handful of seismic zones around the globe that are storing up especial amounts of stress and are particularly hazardous.
—Aline Reynolds, Discover Magazine, 22 Jan. 2010
See All Example Sentences for especial
Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2023
People who live in assisted living facilities are at especial risk for dying from COVID-19.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2020
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
But researchers have identified a handful of seismic zones around the globe that are storing up especial amounts of stress and are particularly hazardous.
—Aline Reynolds, Discover Magazine, 22 Jan. 2010
See All Example Sentences for especial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especial
Adjective
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Barry has had an extraordinary coaching journey, considering his playing experiences took him no higher than League One, the English game’s third division.—
Simon Hughes,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
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Unlike many younger trees, this tree exhibits extraordinary adaptations.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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And then, aren’t cats emblematic of whatever is familiar but ultimately unknowable?—
Barry Schwabsky,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2025
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But if the screaming sirens and looming threats to life and property are familiar, this year is different, experts say, with fewer National Weather Service employees on the job because of layoffs by President Donald Trump and less data about weather approaching from the Great Plains states.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Instructions may vary based on the specific medication.—
Sarah Bradley,
Health,
22 Mar. 2025
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The recall affects specific lots of 1.15-ounce Original Beef, which are sold in 12-count pouches, 8-count pouches, and single sticks.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The contract also maintains its unusual provision allowing Sanders to disclose any athletically related outside income to his superiors verbally, thus enabling him to follow NCAA bylaws while ensuring that no public paper trail is created for these earnings.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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In an unusual coincidence, Saldivar was denied parole on Thursday, the same day as Lopez's announcement.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Those were just some of the yet-unheard pieces of evidence brought to light in the case suggesting intimate involvement of Newsmax's top executives and talent in programming decisions.—
Maddy Lauria,
NPR,
22 Mar. 2025
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The actor skillfully plays nine different roles using props, tone, and mannerisms to differentiate the characters, with the compact setting making the action feel all the more intimate.—
Staff Author,
EW.com,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Photos and videos: Family photos, vacation videos, special events like weddings or graduations and other personal memories that cannot be recreated.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
22 Mar. 2025
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For Cheng, the former captain, the Hong Kong Sevens will always hold a special place – with its sea of costumes and unmatched sense of fun.—
Andrew McNicol,
CNN,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Less Than 1% Of Brackets Remain Perfect On First Day Of Tournament Don't Overlook Humility Technical skills and strategic thinking are vital, but humility is one of the most defining traits of exceptional leaders.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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When William finally appears in person late in the game, the faceoff between him and Eddie is worth the wait if only just to see these two exceptional actors go at it.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Coleman remains one of his closest friends in football and is able to provide insight into the formative parts of his playing and coaching careers.—
Simon Hughes,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
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Since Sullivan’s arrest, there have been calls for a state-level investigation and a closer examination of its safety net for children, including homeschooling practices, around which there is little or no regulation, according to a 2018 Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate report.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN,
23 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
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