exponential

adjective

ex·​po·​nen·​tial ˌek-spə-ˈnen(t)-shəl How to pronounce exponential (audio)
1
: of or relating to an exponent
2
: involving a variable in an exponent
10x is an exponential expression
3
: expressible or approximately expressible by an exponential function
especially : characterized by or being an extremely rapid increase (as in size or extent)
an exponential growth rate
exponentially adverb

Examples of exponential in a Sentence

The business has experienced several years of exponential growth. Prices have increased at an exponential rate. 103 is an exponential expression.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jones was drafted to the WNBA in 2016, spending her first seven years in the league with the Connecticut Sun before being traded to the New York Liberty in 2023, so she’s seen the exponential growth of the league first-hand. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2025 The exponential moving average smooths price trends while weighting recent data more heavily than older prices. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025 Instead of being dominated by matter and radiation, the Universe’s energy was inherent to space itself, leading to relentless, exponential expansion. Big Think, 24 Oct. 2025 The more components known as qubits are linked within a quantum computer, the greater its computational power can grow, in an exponential fashion. IEEE Spectrum, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exponential

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exponential was in 1701

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exponential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exponential. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

exponential

adjective
ex·​po·​nen·​tial ˌek-spə-ˈnen-chəl How to pronounce exponential (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving an exponent
xⁿ is an exponential expression
exponentially adverb

Medical Definition

exponential

adjective
ex·​po·​nen·​tial ˌek-spə-ˈnen-chəl How to pronounce exponential (audio)
: expressible or approximately expressible by an exponential function
an exponential growth rate
exponentially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on exponential

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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