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
Examples of exceptionalism in a Sentence
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The self-regard that gave her such complacency was defended by an exceptionalism that Weininger had helped to validate.
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Judith Thurman, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
One of the foremost images of American exceptionalism is that of the strong frontier woman taming the elements alongside her husband while also keeping the hearth burning and the bellies full.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2025
But when two states with different biases and worldviews collide—one enamored with a vision of its exceptionalism and another clinging to its identity as moral authority—pragmatism is in order.
—Michelle Gavin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2025
As Howard Marks wrote in a recent memo, American exceptionalism is also at play.
—Dan Runkevicius, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exceptionalism
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Judith Thurman, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
One of the foremost images of American exceptionalism is that of the strong frontier woman taming the elements alongside her husband while also keeping the hearth burning and the bellies full.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2025
But when two states with different biases and worldviews collide—one enamored with a vision of its exceptionalism and another clinging to its identity as moral authority—pragmatism is in order.
—Michelle Gavin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2025
As Howard Marks wrote in a recent memo, American exceptionalism is also at play.
—Dan Runkevicius, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exceptionalism
Cite this Entry
“Exceptionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exceptionalism. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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