exceptionalism

noun ex·cep·tion·al·ism \ ik-ˈsep-shnə-ˌli-zəm , -shə-nə- \

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

Definition of exceptionalism

: the condition of being different from the norm; also : a theory expounding the exceptionalism especially of a nation or region

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exceptionalist

play \ik-ˈsep-shnə-list, -shə-nə-\ adjective

Recent Examples of exceptionalism from the Web

The Recovering is a sprawling, compelling, fiercely ambitious book that considers excess with full control, and strives for both exceptionalism and utility at the same time.

— sophie gilbert, The Atlantic, "Writing and Alcohol: A Reckoning," 6 Apr. 2018
But lampreys’ exceptionalism in this respect has just been challenged.

— The Economist, "Three-eyed lizards are not uncommon. Four-eyed ones are a novelty," 5 Apr. 2018
Instead, my mind and spirit soared during moments that validated my fallibility, my lack of exceptionalism and our common, grotesque humanity.

— myriam gurba, Time, "Why I Use Humor When Talking About My Sexual Assault," 30 Mar. 2018
Rhodes says, as if anyone is arguing that American exceptionalism equals steamrolling other countries like Hitler.

— kyle smith, National Review, "The Final Year Reveals the Obama Administration’s Naïvety and Arrogance," 23 Jan. 2018
Colonial empire builders believed in the exceptionalism of their culture and language.

— roberto carlos garcia, The Root, "So You’re Afro-Latinx. Now What?," 11 Jan. 2018
Fraser is scarcely the first person to mount a critique of American exceptionalism.

— steve fraser, Philly.com, "Steve Fraser's 'Class Matters': Why we ignore class to our peril," 18 Mar. 2018
Putin has come to embody Russia’s exceptionalism, the sense of the state and culture as an extraordinary entity that is nonetheless under constant attack from outside.

— vladimir isachenkov and jim heintz, BostonGlobe.com, "Exit polls suggest Putin easily wins re-election," 18 Mar. 2018
Our breathtaking sense of exceptionalism insures that our errant ways in bringing pests from elsewhere is never our fault but somehow that of the organisms themselves.

— connie bruck, The New Yorker, "The Mail," 14 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exceptionalism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.