1
as in extraordinary
being out of the ordinary
an exceptional amount of snow fell in March
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disabled
deprived of the power to perform one or more natural bodily activities
her experience working with exceptional children was rewarding and inspiring
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind
a special school for exceptional children
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exceptional
The 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner doesn’t have exceptional size, listed at 6-foot-1 and 233 pounds.
—
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
While wood and metal headboards often are exceptional choices for a DIY upgrade, Symonds says fabric versions are just as suitable.
—Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 25 Feb. 2026
The area is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot — a designation that signals both exceptional biological richness and vulnerability to habitat loss.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
Monica Nayar, board chair of the Children’s Discovery Museum, said Tsai brings both exceptional leadership experience and a heartfelt connection to the downtown learning center.
—Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exceptional
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
While wood and metal headboards often are exceptional choices for a DIY upgrade, Symonds says fabric versions are just as suitable.
—Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 25 Feb. 2026
The area is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot — a designation that signals both exceptional biological richness and vulnerability to habitat loss.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
Monica Nayar, board chair of the Children’s Discovery Museum, said Tsai brings both exceptional leadership experience and a heartfelt connection to the downtown learning center.
—Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exceptional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional
Adjective
-
That project rests on decades of layered planning, established air rights and a transit hub designed to absorb extraordinary density.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Louise Trotter’s second runway collection for Bottega Veneta rooted in Milanese Brutalism was a stunning example of her visual artistry while exhibiting an extraordinary use of material.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Scott Quigley — which led to the death of a disabled man — staties seem concerned about the consequences the sergeant would face.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
-
The monthly payments themselves vary widely, from roughly $180 at the low end to nearly $5,000 for the most severely disabled veterans, with higher sums tied to the number of dependents and the depth of impairment.—
Steven Beynon,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
According to the German firm, the approach enables intelligent systems, including humanoid robots, to operate in live manufacturing environments.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Mar. 2026
-
And then Roger Roger, the generative AI has become more intelligent.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Clinton did not name the member who asked the unusual questions, nor whether the lawmaker was a Republican or a Democrat.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
-
This is not unusual for our soon-to-be-deceased hero, who regularly risks injury and embarrassment to help people.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
While many of us who are blind or visually impaired live fulfilling, independent lives going to work, school and other activities, our biggest barrier to full participation in society is affordable, reliable transportation.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The same thing happened to Nestor Ponce-Rivas, 31, who reported to court for a hearing on driving while impaired and child abuse charges.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Beyond the auditorium roof, the studio employed other clever features to keep the building cool in Indore's hot climate, which sees temperatures of 86 °F - 104 °F (30 °C - 40 °C) for most of the year.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Your 11th House of Collaboration lights up as clever Mercury meets Venus, the planet of connection, there.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
These collaborations are intended to drive breakthroughs from concept to real-world deployment, leveraging ORNL’s unique assets such as its microgrid testbeds, digital twin environments, and extensive energy science capabilities.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Gabe was a unique combination of musical brilliance, kindness and sharp wit.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Joshua Kimmich let fly with his left boot to score the winner with a volley in the 87th minute, just four minutes after Daniel Svensson equalized for Dortmund with a brilliant volley inside the left post.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Well, Serena is not only my sister but just a brilliant mind, such an awesome, brilliant human, so unstoppable in every way.—
Rod Stafford Hagwood,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exceptional. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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