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

Over dinner the other night, Holland and I spoke about U.S. exceptionalism, with the Trump tariff agenda (which had not yet found its full expression in Liberation Day) an obvious contemporary example of empire flexing its muscles. —Steven Desmyter, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Thanks to the President’s refocus of the agency, the Institute of Museum and Library Services will be able to better showcase American exceptionalism with greater efficiency for the public. —Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025

Frame refuses to bask in her exceptionalism, her almost miraculous escape. —Audrey Wollen, The New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2025

For centuries, the prevailing view asserted human cognitive exceptionalism. —David Chauvet, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 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