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

Relevance

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

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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 The Okefenokee Swamp is regarded as one of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems, encompassing a vast network of wetlands that supports exceptional biodiversity and serves as the source of two major rivers. — ABC News, 25 July 2026 Under Harper’s leadership, Del Mar has become one of the industry’s premier destinations, combining world-class racing with innovative marketing, exceptional hospitality and an unmatched fan experience. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2026 The veterinarian who followed painted a picture of exceptional medical care. — Marianne Pizzitola, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026 Maranville, who played from 1912 to 1935, is recognized as an exceptional defensive shortstop. — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exceptional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional

Adjective

The challenge before us is serious, but the promise of American higher education remains extraordinary.

— Daniel Diermeier, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Today’s leading model will eventually be replaced, and capabilities that seem extraordinary now will become familiar.

— Brent Saunders, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

Too many products slap the label on without including disabled people anywhere in development or testing, treating accessibility as an add-on rather than a design requirement.

— Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
When scientists temporarily disabled mole-rats’ olfactory sensory neurons with chemicals, the aggression towards strangers disappeared.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026

Definition of disabled

Adjective

This helps explain why intelligent, experienced leaders can continue producing results while missing the early signs that their judgment, relationships, health, or influence are beginning to slide.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Inside the new controller Rather than storing data itself, the MXC chip acts as an intelligent bridge between a server’s processor and external DDR5 memory.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of intelligent

Adjective

Experts argue that while autism doesn't excuse criminal acts, failing to understand its impact risks confusing impaired social reasoning with criminal intent, leading to unjust outcomes.

— Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Reviews link it to obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, along with infertility, mood disorders and impaired cognitive function.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

Definition of impaired

Adjective

Many of them feature amenities like a basketball court, weight rooms and a pool, while others may have unique features like boxing gyms or an ice rink.

— Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
Because there’s a certain level of difficulty involved in taking a song fans know well, and expect to hear a particular way, and successfully putting a unique spin upon it.

— Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

In recent years, Apatow and Bonfiglio have been documenting some of comedy’s most brilliant minds, like George Carlin – another mega-talent who could go on Mount Rushmore.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 July 2026
My perspectives on the poem have been informed and shaped by the work of many brilliant colleagues and predecessors, including those in this volume and many more.

— Emma Specter, Vogue, 31 July 2026