The closest especially synonym in most sentences is particularly, followed by notably, above all, mainly and in particular. Each one lifts a single member out of a larger set: the town is busy, especially on Fridays.
Especially also has a second job as an intensifier (an especially cold night) and a third as a stand-in for specially (made especially for you). Each of those jobs calls for its own set of words, sorted for you below. Another word for especially is easy to find once you know the job, and you will also find the classic especially versus specially rule and where each word sits in a sentence.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
particularly, notably, above all, mainly, in particularPart of speech
AdverbMost formal
chiefly, principally, notablyMost casual
mostly, really, most of allStrongest
above all, which ranks one thing over every otherWatch out
Specially means for a purpose (built specially for kids). Do not use it to mean above all.Antonyms
generally, in general, ordinarily
Three jobs, three groups of words
| Job | Replacements | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Picks one out of many | particularly, notably, above all, mainly, in particular | Kids love the park, particularly the slide. |
| Boosts an adjective | exceptionally, unusually, remarkably, very | It was an unusually warm spring. |
| Means for one purpose | specially, specifically, expressly, just | The ramp was added expressly for wheelchairs. |
If you can add "more than the others" and the sentence still makes sense, you are in the first group.
Mostly to chiefly: tone and formality
Left to right, the chips climb from chatty to academic. Mostly and mainly are relaxed and common in speech. Particularly works almost anywhere, which is why it is the safest swap. Notably adds a hint of "worth pointing out" and suits reports. Chiefly sounds bookish and fits history or academic writing.
Be aware that mostly and mainly are a little weaker than especially. They say the item is the biggest part, not the one that stands out.
Especially synonym swaps, sentence by sentence
- I enjoy fruit, especially mangoes becomes I enjoy fruit, particularly mangoes.
- The test was hard, especially the last part becomes the test was hard, above all the last part.
- Several cities, especially coastal ones, flooded becomes several cities, notably coastal ones, flooded.
- An especially funny scene becomes an exceptionally funny scene.
- A cake baked especially for her becomes a cake baked specially for her.
- Prices rise, especially in summer becomes prices rise, in particular during summer.
A cover letter reads: "I like working with data, especially data about customers." Better: "I enjoy working with data, in particular customer behavior." The swap avoids repeating data and sounds more confident.
Especially or specially
Use especially when one thing stands above the rest: I love autumn, especially the colors. Use specially when something was made or done for a purpose: these shoes are specially designed for runners. In casual speech the two blur, and both can mean "for a purpose," but in careful writing keep specially for purpose only.
Quick test: if you can replace it with specifically for, specially is fine. If you can replace it with particularly, choose especially.
Where the word goes
Especially and particularly usually come right before the item they highlight: especially at night, particularly the teachers. Do not open a sentence with especially on its own; write This is especially true for... or switch to In particular, which can start a sentence comfortably.
Notably can also start a sentence when it introduces a new example: Notably, two members voted against it. For more ways to point at a detail, see the specifically page, or browse every linking word on the transition words hub.
The opposite idea
Especially narrows the focus. To widen it again, use generally, in general, ordinarily or commonly.
- Generally, the trains run on time.
- In general, people sleep less in summer.
These words describe the usual case instead of picking out a special one.
Frequently asked questions
Which words for especially sound most formal?
Particularly, notably and chiefly are the formal options. Particularly is the safest because it fits almost every sentence where especially works.
Should especially ever come first in a sentence?
Careful writers avoid it there. Use In particular, or rewrite the sentence as This is especially true when, which keeps the meaning and sounds complete.
What is the difference between especially and particularly?
Very little. Particularly is slightly more formal, while especially is a touch warmer. You can swap them freely in most sentences.
Is specially a synonym for especially?
Only in the purpose sense, as in a gift made specially for you. When you mean above all, use especially or particularly instead.
Which especially replacement reads best in an essay?
Try notably, in particular or above all. Notably works well when you add an example, and above all when you rank one point over the others.
Is there an opposite of especially?
Generally or in general come closest. They describe the normal pattern instead of picking out one case.