Where especially sits in the sentence decides what can replace it. Right before an adjective, as in especially cold, it means very, and particularly or exceptionally fit. After a general statement it points to one case, where in particular or above all take over. Before for or a past participle it means for one specific purpose, and specially or expressly fit. Swap in a word suited to a different position and the sentence shifts meaning.
Best synonyms for especially
More than usual
- particularly
- notably
- exceptionally
- unusually
- remarkably
- extraordinarily
- uncommonly
Above all
- particularly
- in particular
- above all
- chiefly
- mainly
- primarily
- principally
- notably
For one particular purpose
- specially
- expressly
- specifically
Which synonym should you use?
| If you mean… | Best alternatives |
|---|---|
| very, placed before an adjective | particularly, exceptionally, notably |
| higher than normal for its kind | unusually, uncommonly, remarkably |
| so good or bad it deserves comment | remarkably, extraordinarily, exceptionally |
| one standout example from a group | notably, in particular, particularly |
| the main cause or most of it | chiefly, mainly, primarily, principally |
| the point that outranks all others | above all |
| made or done for one person | specially, specifically |
| stated outright, not just implied | expressly, specifically |
Especially synonyms explained
1. Particularly
The most flexible replacement, because it works both before an adjective and when singling out one case. It is a little milder than exceptionally, which pushes the quality far past normal.
Best used when: You want a drop-in swap that keeps the original sentence structure.
The soup was particularly salty tonight.
2. Notably
Adds the idea that the quality or example deserves notice, so it carries a hint of praise or significance that particularly lacks. It can also introduce a standout example after a group: notably France, notably the two newest members.
Best used when: The thing you are pointing to is the one a reader should remember.
Several teams struggled, notably the two that had won last year.
3. Exceptionally
Pushes a quality well beyond the normal range, so it is stronger than particularly and far stronger than unusually. It only intensifies adjectives and adverbs and cannot single out a noun.
Best used when: Something is far above or beyond the typical level and you want to say so.
The exam was exceptionally difficult this year.
4. Unusually
Compares the quality to what is normal and passes no judgment on it, unlike remarkably, which suggests surprise or admiration. It fits neutral reports of numbers, weather, and behavior.
Best used when: You are measuring something against the usual and staying neutral.
It was an unusually warm week for March.
5. Remarkably
Signals that the degree is surprising enough to comment on, and the comment is usually favorable. Compared with unusually, it shows the writer's reaction, not just a measurement.
Best used when: A result is better than anyone expected.
The old repair held up remarkably well.
6. In particular
Follows the thing it singles out, or comes after a general statement. It cannot go before an adjective the way especially can, so particularly is the swap there.
Best used when: You have made a broad statement and want to name the case you mean most.
Correct: I liked the ending in particular.
Incorrect: The room was in particular cold.
In particular cannot sit before an adjective as an intensifier. Say The room was particularly cold.
7. Above all
Ranks one item at the top of a list instead of just highlighting it, so it is stronger than especially. It normally opens a sentence or clause, or closes one, and rarely modifies an adjective.
Best used when: You are giving advice and one point outweighs the rest.
Above all, keep the receipts.
8. Chiefly
Names the main cause, source, or part, so it describes the bulk of something. Especially picks out one extreme case, while chiefly says most of it. It is a bit more formal than mainly.
Best used when: You are explaining the principal reason or source in careful writing.
Her income comes chiefly from translation work.
9. Mainly
The plain, everyday version of chiefly. It describes proportion (most of it), so it changes the meaning of a sentence where especially meant one standout case.
Best used when: You are describing what most of a group or cause consists of.
The crowd was mainly students.
10. Specially
Means made or done for a particular purpose and normally sits before a past participle: specially trained, specially designed. In this meaning it is more exact than especially, which can read as extra emphasis.
Best used when: Something was built, ordered, or arranged for a single use.
Correct: The van was specially fitted for wheelchair users.
Incorrect: I like all sports, specially soccer.
In writing, specially does not single out one item from a group; that is the job of especially or particularly. Write I like all sports, especially soccer.
11. Expressly
Means clearly and deliberately stated, or done for an explicit purpose. It is firmer and more formal than specifically, and it is common with verbs like forbid, state, and design.
Best used when: A rule, contract, or instruction leaves no room for doubt.
The contract expressly forbids subletting.
12. Specifically
Narrows the target to one named person, group, or use. Compared with expressly, it stresses the limited target rather than the clear wording.
Best used when: You want to say who or what something was aimed at.
The program was designed specifically for beginners.
FAQ
Can a sentence begin with especially?
Yes, when it is attached to the phrase it singles out, as in Especially in winter, the roads ice over. What does not work is especially standing alone before a comma: Especially, I enjoyed the music is incorrect because it has nothing to single out. Say I especially enjoyed the music, or open with Above all or In particular.
Is specially just a British spelling of especially?
No, they are separate words that overlap. In the made-for-a-purpose meaning, specially is the neater choice in careful American writing. In casual speech, in both the US and the UK, specially is also heard where especially is meant, as in specially good, but in writing especially is the safer choice for that meaning.
Does not especially mean not at all?
No. Not especially means not very: a movie that is not especially long is of ordinary length or a little short. Not particularly works the same way. For a flat denial, use not at all.