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 Parts of France, enduring a fifth summer heat wave and still reeling from devastating wildfires, are experiencing what scientists classify as exceptional drought. — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026 But their exceptional sound only doubles down on that, which uses algorithms to bring their sound processing pretty darn close to perfection. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026 Large parts of western Europe will be sweltering once again on Thursday, with Britain poised for its fifth heat wave of an exceptional summer that is expected to be the hottest on record. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 The veteran industry honcho underscored the exceptional lineup from Norway — nine final picks from 30 submissions, including five debuts. — Annika Pham, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exceptional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional

Adjective

Something extraordinary these episodes illustrate, in our view, is the vulnerability of America’s highly interconnected fresh-food supply chain, in which one grower or supplier problem can ripple astonishingly far.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Sen’s choreography extends this ancient form, adding partnering and dynamic range; her dancers, all trained under her tutelage, move with extraordinary clarity and incisiveness.

— Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

Her backstory is littered with half-truths and deceptions, including a lie that her mentally disabled younger sister was murdered after being kidnapped.

— Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026
In addition to simulating the dispersal of defense production, Taiwan is throttling the island’s mobile network to show civilians what happens when internet services are disabled.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of disabled

Adjective

That so many otherwise intelligent people missed the warning signs is a testament to the power of his message and the force of his charisma.

— James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026
For example, Anderson has one client who’s 35, good looking and tall and in finance, who also wants a gorgeous and intelligent girl.

— Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of intelligent

Adjective

At the recommendation of assistant director of player personnel Jason Stein, the Mets signed Yan to a two-year minor-league deal, an unusual contract for a healthy pitcher.

— Will Sammon, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Her parents approach sexuality head on, almost with glee, which is certainly unusual for their time and place.

— Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

The film is a collaborative work created with five visually impaired students at the National Institute for the Young Blind in Paris.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
In June, Mathers failed to appear for a sentencing and a bond modification hearing in the misdemeanor case and a probable cause conference in the third-offense impaired driving case.

— Christina Hall, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of impaired

Adjective

The screenplay by Samy Burch (Oscar-nominated for May December) features one clever gag after another, such as Road Runner, making a surprise appearance in the courtroom, delivering his testimony via beeps.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Rather than requiring you to completely detach the blades or assemble the rotor head using screws or tools in the field, the R1 uses a clever flexible four-blade geometry.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of clever

Adjective

This unique account type has a variable rate that will be more responsive to market conditions, unlike the CD which will hold until the maturity date arrives.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Ganos said the 97 carts are also unique because of their perfect condition, that much like comic books or sports cards, often sell higher.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

The opening drive called by Webb was a brilliant blur — a six-play, 69-yard march that wrapped up in a little more than three minutes.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Hofstadter is brilliant at analyzing types that feel quite familiar to us today—the crusading urban progressive, the small-town conspiracy theorist.

— Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026