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

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 The Mustangs have gotten exceptional play all season from junior quarterback Ronald Smith Jr. — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 By refining an exceptional predecessor rather than overhauling it, the newest Paperwhite comfortably remains the best ereader for most people, easily earning our Editors' Choice award. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026 This year’s class of exceptional student journalists are from schools in Illinois, Texas, Nebraska, Iowa and New York. — Talia Buford, ProPublica, 28 Oct. 2026 Above Average is billed as an irreverent look at celebrity culture, corporate power and society’s obsession with being exceptional. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exceptional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional

Adjective

Saint Laurent has extraordinary archives, codes and savoir-faire, Charbit said.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
Special-makeup-effects artist Rick Baker’s work is extraordinary.

— Vulture Editors, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

For example, Levin said Meta never acknowledged that at least one No Kings creator’s account was also suspended on the day the No Kings account was disabled.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 3 Nov. 2026
Senior citizens and disabled tenants say losing parking threatens their independence and may end up displacing the city’s most vulnerable residents.

— Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 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

More Life Kit on home organization 5 clever design tricks to make a small home look bigger.

— Andee Tagle, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
Airbnb’s story began back in 2007 with three air mattresses in a San Francisco living room—prompting then-roommates Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia to conceive clever ways to make rent.

— Kelsey Stewart, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of clever

Adjective

This mix between college town, nature oasis and state capital gives Madison a unique flare, pairing beloved nightlife spaces with a growing trail network.

— Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
The state must show compassion for the unique geography of our neighborhood.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

Starting as a buyer’s admin assistant was a brilliant way to understand every single aspect of the business.

— Elektra Kotsoni, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Perhaps Bernal, a brilliant scientist whose work with x-ray crystallography led to crucial innovations in the field, was merely engaging in a futuristic fable.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026