especially

[ih-spesh-uh-lee] / ɪˈspɛʃ ə li /

ADVERB

exceptionally, particularly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

chiefly exclusively notably principally specially specifically

STRONG

peculiarly

WEAK

abnormally above all before all else conspicuously curiously eminently expressly extraordinarily in particular in specie mainly markedly oddly outstandingly preeminently primarily remarkably signally singularly strangely strikingly supremely unaccountably uncommonly uncustomarily uniquely unusually wonderfully

Antonyms

STRONGEST

broadly

WEAK

commonly generally normally ordinarily unexceptionally usually

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

SNL remains a consistent thorn in his side, especially when Alec Baldwin is playing him.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

“To have the ability to stay with it, stay with it, stay with it, stay with it, especially when you get knocked down,” said Knicks coach Mike Brown.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

The shrine was well known as especially popular with Chinese visitors.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Striking the right balance is especially important because of sequence-of-returns risk.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Joey and her female friends also have to deal with unwanted advances from men, especially because Joey’s house is near a Japanese military barracks.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

Vocabulary lists containing especially

Commonly Confused Words, List 3

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Commonly Confused Words, List 6

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Commonly Confused Words, List 8

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