EXCEPTIONAL Synonyms: 247 Similar and Opposite Words

exceptional

adjective

ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəl

Definition of exceptional

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

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

as in intelligent

having or showing quickness of mind a special school for exceptional children

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of exceptional Grapes for Granbazan’s exceptional wines come from the Tremoedo estate not far from the town of Cambados. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026 The very same traits that can cause internal distress often translate to exceptional skill and performance at work and school. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 23 Oct. 2026 Concacaf said Thursday its council approved the exceptional hosting arrangement for the Haitian Football Federation due to the ongoing security situation in Haiti. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026 If Seattle’s plan is to curb Walker’s exceptional start, Kansas City will need to do the same against Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. — Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exceptional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional

Adjective

Some of the rooms are off-limits, but visitors will get to see Duke's extraordinary collection of Islamic art.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
The Portland decision — based in part on data the Department of Justice later admitted was false — prompted an extraordinary filing by Judge Jay Bybee, who all but pleaded with the court to rehear the case and interpret the law differently.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

The vehicle caught on fire in front of a local orphanage for disabled children.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Singletary has used her own life experiences including raising her kids, helping take care of her disabled brother and planning her estate to help her readers navigate their financial journeys.

— Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of disabled

Adjective

For much of the world, the AI that would matter most may not be the most intelligent model ever built.

— Keyu Jin, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
This all-loving creator is ever present, completely good, and the intelligent source of immortal truth and unending love.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of intelligent

Adjective

And now Great Question will, hopefully CBS News thinks, bring that voice to new places, in a digital expansion that is unusual for an evening news anchor.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
But the book walks the reader through Raichlen’s unusual path to becoming a food writer obsessed with the art of barbecuing.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

Reagan was forgetful but not necessarily cognitively impaired, Darman said.

— Bob Woodward, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Officers arrested Mia Dawson, 20, in relation to the incident on charges of operating while impaired, reckless operation of a vehicle, hit-and-run driving, vehicular homicide and vehicular negligent injuring.

— Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of impaired

Adjective

The elaborate, experiential drinks are presented on trays or pedestals alongside clever fixings.

— Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
From time-saving kitchen gadgets and food warmers to festive serving platters, Thanksgiving table decorations and clever ways to store leftovers, there are plenty of products that can help make the holiday feel a little less stressful.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of clever

Adjective

Personalized medicine already helps doctors match patients with drugs suited to their cancer’s unique biology.

— Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
The Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing trio of Chris Buescher, Ryan Preece and Brad Keselowski swept the top three spots in the first stage with a unique strategy that had the rest of the field nearly a lap down at one point.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

From a charismatic Formula 1 racing legend to a brilliant but flawed soccer god to a troubled, tragic singer, Academy Award-winning docmaker Asif Kapadia has made a career out of telling the stories of larger-than-life figures.

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
Her positive testimonial was echoed by a downer-loving millionaire who attended with her brilliant and terrifyingly thin mother for her 70th birthday.

— Kate Berlant, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026