exceptional

adjective

ex·​cep·​tion·​al ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəl 

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 

noun

exceptionalness noun

Synonyms

• aberrant
• aberrated
• abnormal
• anomalous
• atypical
• especial
• exceeding
• extraordinaire
• extraordinary
• freak
• odd
• peculiar
• phenomenal
• preternatural
• rare
• singular
• uncommon
• uncustomary
• unique
• unusual
• unwonted

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

Your team should be composed of individuals who share your passion for the industry and who have the skills and expertise to provide exceptional service to your clients. —Devin Haman, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023

The film won an Emmy in 2020 for exceptional merit in documentary filmmaking. —Addie Morfoot, Variety, 30 Nov. 2023

In addition, there are two other exceptional Panerai watches from Bloore’s collection that are worth highlighting. —Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 29 Nov. 2023

Vintage Stores Amid Paris’ kilo shops and overwhelming thrift stores, there are a few exceptional places for one-of-a-kind vintage finds. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2023

Pioneer Pro Inflatable Hardboard by Isle: An inflatable SUP that feels like a hardboard Learn More Inflatable stand-up paddleboards (SUP) typically sacrifice sturdiness for exceptional portability. —Popular Science, 29 Nov. 2023

Under international law, the practice of administrative detention is supposed to be used only in exceptional circumstances. —Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 28 Nov. 2023

This fall the group celebrated Ariana Benson, 26, the most recent winner of the Cave Canem Prize, which honors exceptional first books. —Stacy Y. China, New York Times, 27 Nov. 2023

Here’s a book for that friend who will spend anything for an exceptional craft cocktail but could use a hand in attempting to recreate them at home. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 21 Nov. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

exceptional

adjective

ex·​cep·​tion·​al ik-ˈsep-shnəl 

-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