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

The era of American exceptionalism in the stock market could be over for good. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

This plan at the Brooklyn Marine Terminal offers us an opportunity to reclaim that exceptionalism. —Dan Goldman, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2025

Read more What People Think Opinions related to business and economic issues submitted to The Hill: How DOGE is already changing the spending process in Congress Cracks are emerging in the idea of America’s economic exceptionalism You’re all caught up. —Aris Folley, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025

His sense of American exceptionalism separates the United States from an intrinsically un-American outside world. —Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for exceptionalism

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