exceptional

adjective

ex·​cep·​tion·​al ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce exceptional (audio)
Synonyms of exceptional
1
: forming an exception : rare
an exceptional number of rainy days
2
: better than average : superior
exceptional skill
3
: deviating from the norm: such as
a
: having above or below average intelligence
b
: physically disabled
exceptionality
ik-ˌsep-shə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce exceptional (audio)
noun
exceptionalness noun

Synonyms of exceptional

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Examples of exceptional in a Sentence

We're bending the rules for this exceptional situation. an exceptional student in math The seafood dishes at this restaurant are exceptional. a separate school for exceptional children
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Any combination of these factors could contribute to both their exceptional mobility and better cognitive health. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 Large parts of western Europe will be sweltering once again on Thursday, with Britain poised for its fifth heat wave of an exceptional summer that is expected to be the hottest on record. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 Its tiny disk demands exceptional seeing and precise daytime locating skills as well as a decent size telescope. — Damian Peach, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026 The veteran industry honcho underscored the exceptional lineup from Norway — nine final picks from 30 submissions, including five debuts. — Annika Pham, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exceptional

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exceptional was in 1787

Rhymes for exceptional

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Browse Nearby Words

exceptionable
exceptional
exceptionalism
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Cite this Entry

“Exceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exceptional. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exceptional

adjective
ex·​cep·​tion·​al ik-ˈsep-shnəl How to pronounce exceptional (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
1
: forming an exception : being unusual
an exceptional amount of rain
2
: better than average : superior
an exceptional student in math
exceptionally
-ē
adverb
exceptionalness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on exceptional

Nglish: Translation of exceptional for Spanish Speakers

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