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 of exceptional

• extraordinary
• unusual
• unique
• outstanding
• rare
• abnormal
• uncommon
• remarkable

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

Her burden is to produce exceptional wine to finance Beaune’s hospital, so the pressure is intense. — George Nelson For Artnews, Robb Report, 9 July 2026

Her burden is to produce exceptional wine to finance Beaune’s hospital, so the pressure is intense. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 8 July 2026

Its location is exceptional, with 75 ocean-facing suites and studios built over a swathe of virgin mangrove forest, which spills out onto nine acres of white-sand Caribbean beach. — Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Sony Pictures says candidates should have a four-year college degree, exceptional writing and communication skills and the ability to collaborate with different areas of production. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exceptional

• unexceptional

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