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.

I think some of the most incredible performances, especially by women, have been done in the horror genre.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Things get murkier from there, especially when it comes to oil demand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

That’s because companies’ EPS outlooks, especially in technology and energy sectors, are rising faster than stock prices, so valuation multiples are being compressed.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

One important factor in the cycle is competition, especially with South Korean rivals SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

The trolls snorted with delight, especially Bork, who took to him right away.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff

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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