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 next

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 specific

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 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 Years later, a place detective, who has suffered her own loss, travels to the village to reopen the case and develops an especial bond with the missing boy’s mother, who has never given up hope that Briel could still be alive. —

John Hopewell, Variety, 11 Nov. 2022 See all Example Sentences for especial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for especial

Adjective

Drivers hover by the gates to transport you off on a moment’s notice: the spa, paddle, pickle, and tennis courts, the local waterfalls, the extraordinary hikes, the water sports, chocolate making.

— Giles Hattersley, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
Highlighting the life and career of one of the most influential Black entertainers of the early 20th century, NOBODY explores Williams’ extraordinary rise from Bahamian immigrant to central figure in America’s vaudeville circuit.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025