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

These three have exceptional pedigree and Simashev and But even played some NHL games last season. — Max Bultman, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

The strongest hospitality organizations will be those capable of combining the individuality and privacy of exceptional homes with the discipline, responsiveness and accountability expected from the best hotels. — Jeffery Khoury, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Baccarat’s revenues rose 5 percent in organic terms to around 200 million euros last year, boosted by sales of exceptional lighting and other high-end items. — Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

Young also threw an interception that not only required exceptional athleticism by Malik Muhammad but also arrived at the end of the first half and was largely inconsequential. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2026

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