exceptional

adjective

ex·​cep·​tion·​al ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: forming an exception : rare

an exceptional number of rainy days

2

: better than average : superior

exceptional skill

3

: deviating from the norm: such as

a

: having above or below average intelligence

b

: physically disabled

exceptionality

ik-ˌsep-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

exceptionalness noun

Synonyms

• extraordinary
• unusual
• unique
• outstanding
• rare
• abnormal
• uncommon
• remarkable

Examples of exceptional in a Sentence

We're bending the rules for this exceptional situation.

an exceptional student in math

The seafood dishes at this restaurant are exceptional.

a separate school for exceptional children

Recent Examples on the Web

The term describes someone over 80 with an exceptional memory — one at least as good as the memories of people who are 20 to 30 years younger. —Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an exceptional combination of circumstances in which the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) did not include the allergen on the packaging. —Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025

Or the tax only applies in exceptional situations, such as changing export controls. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2025

Through it all, what has remained is a strong tradition of making excellent homemade gelato and offering an exceptional atmosphere. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exceptional

• unexceptional

Kids Definition

exceptional

adjective

ex·​cep·​tion·​al ik-ˈsep-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

1

: forming an exception : being unusual

an exceptional amount of rain

2

: better than average : superior

an exceptional student in math

exceptionally

-ē

adverb

exceptionalness noun