ESPECIALLY Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

especially

adverb

i-ˈspe-shə-lē

Definition of especially

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

as in extremely

to a great degree that university is especially strong in the sciences

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 especially Sure, Amazon’s Prime Video made off with the Thursday Night Football package—$11 billion still goes a long way, especially when the property in question no longer had any appeal to the previous TV rights holders. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026 Marvin has so many great scenes, especially in the second half of this final season. — Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026 Lean into crisp poplin, like Vittoria Ceretti, who demonstrated how versatile striped boxer shorts can be—especially layered with a button-down shirt and crewneck T-shirt. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 31 July 2026 But in the days since, his parents have challenged that, calling it a rush to judgment, especially given Mississippi’s fraught racial history. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for especially

Recent Examples of Synonyms for especially

Adverb

Still, Joe’s criticism of Nathan’s negative energy is fair, particularly when his defeatist attitude is contrasted with Aesha’s absolute gameness.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2026
Scandalwood is a particularly sexy woodsy scent, designed in collaboration with founder Douglas Little and burlesque legend Dita von Teese.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of particularly

Adverb

The wildfires broke out over the weekend across the Spokane area, fueled by very strong winds combined with extremely dry conditions.

— Melissa Griffin, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
However, experts say that legal decision was extremely narrow, with some arguing it was likely misinterpreted by migrants and traffickers.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of extremely

Adverb

The campaign included live song previews on tour, a UMusic Shop retail takeover, and a Spotify billboard lyric campaign, all while maintaining a notably quiet traditional press footprint.

— Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
The roster still lacks scoring punch, most notably off the bench.

— Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of notably

Adverb

More specifically, nutmeg and cloves add subtle warmth, while black pepper and bay leaves add a sharp and herbaceous undertone.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
For example, defining what specifically the company is willing to pay a premium for, instead of making those calls on a case-by-case basis.

— Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of specifically

Adverb

Despite the reforms, the NYPD’s federal monitor has repeatedly said that even when officers conduct a legally justified stop, the subsequent frisk or more invasive search is too often not justified.

— Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
The underwriting math that makes a small firm expensive to serve turns up elsewhere in financial services too.

— Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of too

Adverb

Unfortunately, decisions aren’t terribly effective today and according to Gartner 72% of executives say that bad decisions are as prevalent as good ones.

— Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Given that humans at OpenAI had decided to turn off some safeguards for the test, some have argued the outcome should not have been terribly surprising.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026

Definition of terribly

Adverb

Not being able to interact with computers, smartphones, and other smart devices is incredibly limiting, yet many existing assistive devices are reportedly awkward, uncomfortable, or difficult to use for long periods.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2026
Pair them with the Corn Boats so your cob doesn't roll away; the incredibly handy Corn Stripper, which removes kernels from the cob in one smooth, easy motion; and the Corn Brush, which removes stubborn corn silk easily.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of incredibly

Browse Nearby Words

especial

especially

espial

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“Especially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/especially. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of especially

adverb

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