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 of exceptional

• 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

Gift with Taste 672 elevates gifting with flexible deliveries of Napa’s most exceptional reds, handpicked by Robb Report editors. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2025

Early indications, as the paddlers approached, were that the breakwaters had done an exceptional job, at least, of recruiting gulls and cormorants. —Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025

According to Isaacson, Jobs was not himself exceptional. —Big Think, 3 Nov. 2025

In Turkey, advanced CAD/CAM technology allows zirconia, E-max, and PFM crowns to deliver exceptional strength and aesthetics at transparent 2025 prices. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 3 Nov. 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