exceptional

adjective

ex·​cep·​tion·​al ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce exceptional (audio)
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 noun
exceptionalness noun

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 This flavor is exceptional as the mackerel is soaked in olive oil and spices, and the capers give it a delicious bite. Grace McCarty, SELF, 13 Mar. 2024 Dining here is exceptional at all seven restaurants, though my favorite is the toes-in-the-sand Sea Corner for its casual ceviche and tacos. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2024 Temperatures were several degrees above normal in dozens of cities from the north-central US to the Northeast – another clear indicator of exceptional warmth. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 The damage has been exceptional with many losing their homes, farms and ranches. Li Cohen, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2024 Her unwavering drive, commitment to excellence, and proactive advocacy reflect not only her exceptional academic prowess but also her maturity and leadership as a young adult. Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024 Below, 20 Forbes Technology Council members share practical ways smaller companies can harness the power of AI to deliver exceptional customer experiences. 1. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 His lateral quickness, honed by years of playing high-level basketball, is exceptional, draft reports say. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 29 Feb. 2024 Scared and self-loathing, his performance shows how tragedies and incredible stories happen not just to extraordinary heroes or individuals predisposed to be exceptional, but to typical people with strengths, flaws, and insecurities. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exceptional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exceptional was in 1787

Dictionary Entries Near exceptional

Cite this Entry

“Exceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exceptional. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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
adverb
exceptionalness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on exceptional

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