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Definitions

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.

That meant the lack of complete BLS records in February reflected an especially hard hit to the overall projections.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

Magyar's promise to build "a more humane, efficient country" resonates with all those fed up with the governing party, especially the young.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

On Sunday, Leo will preside over Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square before delivering a typically political blessing which is especially anticipated this year.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

One especially welcome trend in the report is the continuing decline in federal government employment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Unlike Scheveningen, which had been a regular Dutch prison, Vught had been constructed by the occupation especially as a concentration camp for political prisoners.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.