exceptionalism

noun

ex·​cep·​tion·​al·​ism ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm 

: the condition of being different from the norm

also : a theory expounding the exceptionalism especially of a nation or region

exceptionalist

ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nə-list 

adjective

Examples of exceptionalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

America has never been perfect, but American exceptionalism has been real. — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 12 Oct. 2026

This isn’t a new era of Swedish exceptionalism, nor a fleeting moment in the sun (despite the dark Nordic winter around the corner). — Jan Larsson, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

But that institutional exceptionalism is now imperiled as never before. — Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 24 Sep. 2026

For years, the rest of Major League Baseball was subjected to endless lectures about Chavez Ravine exceptionalism. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for exceptionalism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism
• astigmatism