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

The positions include 11 elementary school counselors, 17 exceptional service education counselors, 16 social workers, 21 clerical support assistants and 40 district management positions, according to a document provided by the school district. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026

This is Old Navy's second major designer collaboration championing exceptional American design talent, bringing accessible style to everyone. —Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026

Bohm was also an exceptional baseball player at Wichita State in 2018. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Apr. 2026

Staring up at a nearly six-story-tall screen, witnessing a unique planetary event, itself the product of a remarkable cosmic coincidence, unique to our place and position within the solar system, is an exceptional experience. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 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