ESPECIAL Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

especial

adjective

i-ˈspe-shəl

Definition of especial

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

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

as in special

of a particular or exact sort with a very ordinary lawn, we don't have any especial need for a gardener

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 This oath certainly applies, in an especial manner, to their conduct in their official character. — Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for especial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for especial

Adjective

Some of the rooms are off-limits, but visitors will get to see Duke's extraordinary collection of Islamic art.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
The Portland decision — based in part on data the Department of Justice later admitted was false — prompted an extraordinary filing by Judge Jay Bybee, who all but pleaded with the court to rehear the case and interpret the law differently.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

Keep your eye on what gives you more freedom, not just what feels familiar.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
Because the team that won the 2026 NBA championship weathered a storm that feels all-too familiar in a 0-3 start to their reign as NBA champions this season.

— Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of familiar

Adjective

For something a bit more special, the hotel can arrange a sailing trip with a menu from the Janeiro Restaurant.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
Grammy Award-winning artist Brandy, Emmy Award-winning writer-producer-actor Lena Waithe and Allen Media Group founder Byron Allen are three of the six special honorees who will be celebrated during the 2026 Ebony Power 100 Gala.

— Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of special

Adjective

And now Great Question will, hopefully CBS News thinks, bring that voice to new places, in a digital expansion that is unusual for an evening news anchor.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
But the book walks the reader through Raichlen’s unusual path to becoming a food writer obsessed with the art of barbecuing.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

Reservations for the intimate South End space are available online.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
Designed by Peter Niemitz Design with an architectural assist from Spina O’Rourke + Partners, the restaurant has a more intimate dining room with banquette seating, a sushi bar and a cocktail bar.

— Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of intimate

Adjective

That website works great in the demo—under specific conditions and without users with thumbs for fingers.

— Brian Jenney, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Oct. 2026
But rather than any of her contemporaries, one specific anecdote from Jensen’s school years seems like the most apt context for the measured wandering on Jazz dreams.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of specific

Adjective

Singer demonstrates how timeless design and exceptional interior quality can coexist with everyday usability.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
Van Cleef & Arpels recently welcomed private clients to an intimate high jewelry presentation at a River Oaks residence, with the opportunity to meet the maison’s artisans and view exceptional creations.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of exceptional

Browse Nearby Words

esotericism

especial

especially

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Style

“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of especial

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Synonyms of especial

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing especial

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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