exceptionalism

noun

ex·​cep·​tion·​al·​ism ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce exceptionalism (audio)
: the condition of being different from the norm
also : a theory expounding the exceptionalism especially of a nation or region
exceptionalist adjective

Examples of exceptionalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This exceptionalism has hindered the interests of both countries, in addition to inflicting immense harm on the Palestinians. Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025 Such a logic denies the interrelation of different social and political formations while upholding their singularity and exceptionalism. Gayatri Gopinath, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025 The irony being, of course, that everyone around Kushal is equally convinced of his or her own exceptionalism. Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2025 The myth of American exceptionalism—already bruised by years of chaos—is giving way to the image of a banana republic with F-35s. Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exceptionalism

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exceptionalism was in 1929

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Cite this Entry

“Exceptionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exceptionalism. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

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