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 future of exchanges: Global capital flows in the age of Trump, tariffs and trade wars CNBC's Martin Soong hosts a roundtable in Singapore with stock exchange leaders from around the world to discuss how U.S. exceptionalism is reshaping global capital flows. —Ian King, CNBC, 25 June 2025

The assassination and attempted assassination of two Minnesota legislators should shatter, once and for all, the myth of Minnesota exceptionalism. —David Schultz, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025

While his perspective on European exceptionalism may be debatable, his timing isn't. —Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

America’s large private research universities, such as Columbia and Harvard, have long been crucial to its economic exceptionalism. —Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 3 June 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