Especially and Hardly

Especially

Especially adverb - To a great degree.
Usage example: that university is especially strong in the sciences

Hardly is an antonym for especially.

Nearby Word: especial

Hardly

Hardly adverb - In a manner so as to cause loss or suffering.

Especially is an antonym for hardly.

Nearby Word: hard

Both words in one sentence

Cite this Source
Hardly and Especially. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 22, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/especially/hardly
Especially & Hardly. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/especially/hardly>.
Hardly or Especially. 2016. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/especially/hardly.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "especially" and "hardly" have occurred on timeline