1
as in extraordinary
being out of the ordinary
an exceptional amount of snow fell in March
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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 scale of the operation is exceptional.
—
Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 17 June 2026
England have an exceptional spine, and Declan Rice and Harry Kane have been two of the best players in the world for the last few years.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 16 June 2026
An unexpected discovery Diamond is valued in advanced technology because of its exceptional hardness, optical properties, and thermal conductivity (Tc).
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026
Wrapped inside a joyful theatrical adventure, with Tom Fletcher’s exceptional score at its heart, is a story about finding home, family and community in unexpected places.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for exceptional
Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 17 June 2026
England have an exceptional spine, and Declan Rice and Harry Kane have been two of the best players in the world for the last few years.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 16 June 2026
An unexpected discovery Diamond is valued in advanced technology because of its exceptional hardness, optical properties, and thermal conductivity (Tc).
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026
Wrapped inside a joyful theatrical adventure, with Tom Fletcher’s exceptional score at its heart, is a story about finding home, family and community in unexpected places.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for exceptional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional
Adjective
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Our work complements beautifully the extraordinary work that has already been done by the producers, sales agents and distributors of Mike Leigh’s films over the years.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
22 June 2026
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The Vietnam War was fought by young Americans thrust into extraordinary circumstances.—
Gary MacNamara,
Hartford Courant,
22 June 2026
Adjective
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The department’s special education office ensures states comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which guarantees access to education for disabled students.—
Alia Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2026
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For example, states are weighing cuts to in-home care, a change that could mean the difference between a disabled child being able to live with their parents or being forced to move to a residential care facility.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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The human brain is the ultimate existence proof that intelligent systems that are vastly more energy-efficient than today’s AI are physically possible.—
Rob Toews,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
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It was revered for its intelligent satire of modern society and materialism, providing sight gags and slapstick humor for kids while proving relatable for young adults learning to navigate life.—
Skyler Trepel,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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French authorities said unusual betting patterns were detected around a yellow card Wahi received in a Ligue 1 match while playing for Nice last month.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
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The bar can do classic and pretty, strong and aromatic, familiar and unusual in the same round.—
Noel Burgess,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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Beyond impaired sleep and a bad morning after, Zhou underscores that alcohol functions as a muscle relaxant.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
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Symptoms include muscle cramps, extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration.—
Dorany Pineda,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
Adjective
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This is an Edwardian- inspired new build, so the rooms are large (starting at 290 square feet) with clever details throughout, such as reassuringly spacious showers and barista-style Morning coffee machines—a welcome upgrade on noisy Nespresso units.—
Todd Plummer,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
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With a boost from Randy Newman’s clever score, the Buzz Lightyear sections are hilarious.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
The overlap between Juneteenth celebrations and World Cup festivities has created a unique opportunity for Kansas City’s Black cultural institutions.—
J.M. Banks
June 20,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
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The red varieties with burgundy leaves are an excellent contrast to dahlia foliage, and their unique blooms last for weeks in the garden.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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Sweden had plenty of chances to score before that, but Netherlands’ goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was brilliant in the first half with four saves.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 June 2026
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Their brilliant agent, Bob Broder, shopped our offer to other potential buyers, but no one was as desperate as NBC.—
Warren Littlefield,
HollywoodReporter,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exceptional. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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