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

During exceptional years, the shower can see peak rates of 50 to 75 meteors each hour, putting it on par with the more prolific August Perseid meteor shower. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2025

The Spanish house founded in 1846 started as a collective of leather artisans, praised for their exceptional quality of work. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025

The filmmaking here is exceptional, including Charlie Greene’s exceptional editing, and the tight tense hand held cinematography from Matthew Libatique, and even Cooper himself who operates one of the cameras. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2025

The Jesús Luzardo trade was exceptional. —Matt Gelb, New York Times, 11 Oct. 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