1
as in extraordinary
being out of the ordinary
an exceptional amount of snow fell in March
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
But the league’s most exceptional is the exception.
—
Sam McDowell 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
He’s always believed in hiring exceptional people, aligning incentives, setting clear objectives, and then delegating with information.
—Susan Caminiti, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2026
Alma remains a truly exceptional restaurant.
—Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2026
Indeed, the past 12 months have been exceptional by any standard.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exceptional
Sam McDowell 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
He’s always believed in hiring exceptional people, aligning incentives, setting clear objectives, and then delegating with information.
—Susan Caminiti, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2026
Alma remains a truly exceptional restaurant.
—Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2026
Indeed, the past 12 months have been exceptional by any standard.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exceptional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional
Adjective
-
Packed with extraordinary gorilla behavior never filmed before, this is a story of hope and joy.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Johnson’s ability to rapidly guide the Bears here registers as extraordinary.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Some were developmentally disabled.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Known as Medi-Cal in California, the program provides health insurance to low-income and disabled individuals.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Caterpillar’s intelligent product lineup spans core construction and earthmoving equipment, along with connected site systems.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Conversely, if these foundations can be reinforced, even partially, the intelligent age may yet fulfil its promise of progress.—
Klaus Schwab,
Time,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
While filming an unboxing video wasn’t unusual, having to do it before the dog park left him puzzled.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
-
The same law says any driver is allowed to flash lights to indicate the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care in approaching, overtaking or passing.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This approach draws on a concept known as sensory substitution, in which information from a missing or impaired sense is rerouted through a functioning one.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 Jan. 2026
-
All were badly wounded; one of them, Darrell Cabey, was left permanently paralyzed and cognitively impaired.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Each clever accessory is under $15 — that’s less than the cost of a sandwich special at my favorite deli.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
-
With two bedrooms and two baths, the home is surprisingly expansive, boasting just under 2,400 square feet across its clever layout.—
Miriam Schwartz,
Boston Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Gold, sage and forest green tile flooring lined the area, leading into a room with a pool table and carpet, with a series of unique memorabilia on the walls.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Having the brewery, taproom and supply store under one roof is a unique aspect of the business.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The third-year quarterback was brilliant, going 15-of-20 for 206 yards and three touchdowns.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Their effort to find a home in Overtown seemed futile until Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon, who grew up in Liberty City, conceived a brilliant idea.—
Dorothy Jenkins Fields,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exceptional. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
