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

One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her.

— Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Harald’s death was officially announced at an extraordinary Council of State meeting at Norway’s Royal Palace on Friday, as the full title of the new King was formally presented.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

The point is to make the brand’s Parisian identity travel throughout its 56 markets without turning it into a collection of familiar cues and clichés.

— Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
In the campaign video, Kelce arrives at New York’s iconic The Plaza Hotel and greets a few familiar A-list faces before heading to his room to relax with an adorable, fluffy white dog.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of familiar

Adjective

At a special fair contest, Iowa pie bakers gave the Pie Lady Louise Piper a fitting farewell.

— Courtney Crowder, Des Moines Register, 28 Aug. 2026
If your stay involves a special occasion, the Teppanyaki show-cooking experience makes for an unforgettable celebration.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of special

Adjective

While his batting order remains unchanged, the team has made an unusual move, relocating Guerrero's locker to a new spot.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Land exchanges are common elsewhere in the federal government, but exchanging National Park Service land for private development access is unusual, NOTUS reported, citing a former park service official.

— Annie Palmer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

Perhaps the band’s greatest strength is being able to project an intimate familiarity with the present, while drawing freely from the ’60s and ’70s.

— Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
From intimate moments to full-on sing-alongs, the night showcased talented women who transmute feelings into art and reminded everyone why Ella Mai’s music continues to resonate.

— DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of intimate

Adjective

Sharif said Noreen displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty by risking her life to save the newborn moments before the nursery burned down.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Founders who recently had one exceptional year sometimes assume that year represents their new baseline, when a buyer will more likely average the last three years, or discount the outlier entirely.

— Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

California Cruise is even closer than expected, with deliveries slated to begin next year.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
The success of this trial was possible through the close and constructive cooperation between the participating German Air Force organisations, the exercise management team and the expert teams from Rheinmetall Air Defence and Hensoldt.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of close

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esotericism

especial

especially

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Style

“Especial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especial. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of especial

adjective

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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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