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 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
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
The city has an especial affinity for literature.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN, 2 Mar. 2022
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
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
See All Example Sentences for especial
Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2023
The city has an especial affinity for literature.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN, 2 Mar. 2022
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
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
See All Example Sentences for especial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especial
Adjective
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The path to extraordinary results starts with recognizing what already comes naturally to you.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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While the star attractions, Hidden Dune and Star Dune, tower approximately 750 feet above the valley floor, one of the park’s extraordinary features is Medano Creek, a seasonal stream that emerges in spring and early summer.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
20 July 2025
Adjective
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The Blackpink superstar joined the F1 soundtrack, which is packed with familiar musicians across a variety of genres.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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As more travelers arrive, so do the familiar questions about how to grow tourism without diluting what makes a place special.—
Susmita Baral,
Travel + Leisure,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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For the modern update, Nintendo has tweaked the design slightly, incorporating controls specific to the Switch 2–namely the Home, screen capture, and C buttons—at the top of the pad, and added a tiny new ZL button on the left-hand shoulder.—
Matt Kamen,
Wired News,
20 July 2025
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But Zeldin faces a major hurdle in accomplishing this feat: The existing PFAS standards are backed by the best currently available scientific evidence linking these specific chemicals to a range of adverse health effects.—
David Michaels,
The Atlantic,
20 July 2025
Adjective
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Summer storms cause travel headaches every year, but these numbers are not unusual.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
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Their target area was unusual, though: a strip of lawn between the road and a fence bordering Interstate 65, where homeless people have set up about two dozen tents over the first half of this year.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
26 July 2025
Adjective
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For a more intimate experience, consider reserving one of five rooms inside The Hibiscus House.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
20 July 2025
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Getty Images Astronomer announced on Saturday that CEO Andy Byron has resigned days after being caught on video in an intimate moment with the company’s head of human resources at a Coldplay concert.—
Jennifer Elias,
CNBC,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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The concert featured a special screening at the Winnetu Resort on Martha’s Vineyard, with the Cape Code orchestra playing along to the movie score and even a surprise visit by actor Richard Dreyfuss.—
Jeanette Hurt,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
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Adele shared a similar sentiment the following month while speaking to Oprah Winfrey for the Adele One Night Only special.—
Kelsey Lentz,
People.com,
20 July 2025
Adjective
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Looking at data statewide, more half of Texas three months ago was in severe, extreme or exceptional (level 4 of 4) drought.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
18 July 2025
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Her work in front of and behind the camera has been exceptional.—
Banseka Kayembe,
Refinery29,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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Sonic internet plans: A guide Here's a closer look at Sonic internet offerings: Sonic Fusion Fiber 1 Gigabit Sonic's Fusion Fiber 1 GB plan is the slowest plan option, but speeds are still fast enough for high internet usage.—
Kara McGinley,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
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This is a beautiful fish, much more colorful and brighter overall than its close cousin, the bluegill, which anglers love.—
Sheryl De Vore,
Chicago Tribune,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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