1
as in particularly
in the specific case of one person or thing as distinguished from others
all employees, but especially the administrative assistants, will need to learn to use the new phone system
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in extremely
to a great degree
that university is especially strong in the sciences
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in notably
in regard to something mentioned explicitly or in detail
he especially minded the proposed changes to the work schedule
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of especially
The bigger challenge is the City Council itself, as councilmembers may be reluctant to change housing policy too much and too quickly, especially in ways that would lessen the relative importance of City Hall in the development process.
—
Daniel Brennan, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2025
He’d been inspired by Thiam’s telling of a resilient, nutritionally dense grain going back 5,000 years that is resistant to climate change, needs no fertilizers or inputs, and doesn’t require irrigation, especially in an area considered difficult to cultivate.
—Osayi Endolyn, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 May 2025
Its analysis shows polluting industries still present problems for city residents, especially in Black and Latino communities where most of Chicago’s heavy industry is concentrated.
—Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
The United States possesses abundant mineral deposits, yet ores often travel thousands of miles abroad before returning as finished components — especially rare-earth magnets and battery-grade metals that power electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics.
—William Jones, USA Today, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for especially
Daniel Brennan, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2025
He’d been inspired by Thiam’s telling of a resilient, nutritionally dense grain going back 5,000 years that is resistant to climate change, needs no fertilizers or inputs, and doesn’t require irrigation, especially in an area considered difficult to cultivate.
—Osayi Endolyn, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 May 2025
Its analysis shows polluting industries still present problems for city residents, especially in Black and Latino communities where most of Chicago’s heavy industry is concentrated.
—Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
The United States possesses abundant mineral deposits, yet ores often travel thousands of miles abroad before returning as finished components — especially rare-earth magnets and battery-grade metals that power electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics.
—William Jones, USA Today, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for especially
Recent Examples of Synonyms for especially
Adverb
-
Sweden is the latest country to examine its international adoption policies after accusations of unethical practices, particularly in South Korea.—
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
3 June 2025
-
Menopausal women are particularly vulnerable, with 10% of women 65 and older reporting at least one UTI every year.—
Rhiannon Frater,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
Adverb
-
City’s academy has been extremely productive in recent years, with Phil Foden the shining light, but Rico Lewis, James McAtee, Oscar Bobb and O’Reilly are all now established squad players.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
-
Mills, a longtime associate of Fiona Apple, knows this territory well: the pointed self-analysis of an extremely sensitive person.—
Jenn Pelly,
Time,
7 June 2025
Adverb
-
Over the years, she's also made appearances in several TV shows, most notably ER, Mad About You and In the Heat of the Night.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
7 June 2025
-
Yet recent actions by both Elon Musk and prominent academic institutions—most notably Harvard, but also Columbia, MIT, and others—suggest that even the most successful individuals and organizations are capable of ignoring foundational wisdom.—
Joel Shulman,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
Adverb
-
Curry's Underrated Golf business is specifically designed to give Black and brown children a chance to participate in a sport that hasn't historically catered to them.—
Alex Sherman,
CNBC,
4 June 2025
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Another companion article that focused specifically on female celebrities delved into further structural changes that have likely impacted profits.—
VIBE,
VIBE.com,
4 June 2025
Adverb
-
King Charles is very sick, and there are reports that succession plans are already underway.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
7 June 2025
-
Wilkerson said dental procedures are generally very safe.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
Adverb
-
But there are many times when Ait-Nouri resorts to his tricks too readily, with his over-elaboration putting his team in trouble.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
Similarly, if one person yells loudly during a funeral, other people will, too.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
5 June 2025
Adverb
-
So, this is a terrible – terribly misguided policy.—
/ CBS News,
CBS News,
1 June 2025
-
The reason Evin is infamous is because of its terribly cruel high security detention centers that are poorly supervised by the Prison Chief.—
Jeff Kaufman,
Time,
30 May 2025
Adverb
-
Huang held on, and did so through incredibly difficult stretches that included him fighting to keep his job.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
Digital search features on platforms like Google aggregate from all posts available, so when Fosgate’s tweets first got popular, the biggest and most available information about her was both transphobic and incredibly cruel.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Especially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especially. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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