1
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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exceptional
Methanol is showing exceptional promise as an accessible, early-stage cleaner fuel for shipping.
—
New Atlas, 21 June 2025
This pilot excels in capturing intimate moments with authenticity and nuance, showcasing exceptional filmmaking craft.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 June 2025
From San Francisco to Seoul, these 58 extraordinary watering holes serve up exceptional cocktails, stunning design and world-class service.
—Forbes Staff, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Barring an exceptional situation, such as an injury crisis, he is not expected to play regularly for the first team — despite appearing in five games this season and scoring his first senior goal in May.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for exceptional
New Atlas, 21 June 2025
This pilot excels in capturing intimate moments with authenticity and nuance, showcasing exceptional filmmaking craft.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 June 2025
From San Francisco to Seoul, these 58 extraordinary watering holes serve up exceptional cocktails, stunning design and world-class service.
—Forbes Staff, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Barring an exceptional situation, such as an injury crisis, he is not expected to play regularly for the first team — despite appearing in five games this season and scoring his first senior goal in May.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for exceptional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional
Adjective
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The process of making this film has been so extraordinary to me and totally reframed the narrative for me.—
Yvonne Villarreal,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2025
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Outstanding Actress in a Limited Series Cristin Milioti in The Penguin Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series Deirdre O’Connell in The Penguin Cristin is just so extraordinary, and she’s always been extraordinary.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Founded in 2021, Inevitable Foundation has supported hundreds of disabled filmmakers through a series of programs, including its Accelerate Fellowship, Elevate Collective, Elevate for Podcasters and Emergency Relief Fund.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
18 June 2025
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Wilcox’s attorney, Bryant Scriven, told the Orlando Sentinel his client was a disabled military veteran who is neither a violent nor a hateful person.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Lucy’s colleagues refer to men like him—tall, handsome, in finance, intelligent, urbane—as unicorns.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
21 June 2025
-
Celebrate intelligent risk-taking, not just polished outcomes.—
Bill Fischer,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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Is there a relationship between writing and fiction and unusual height?—
Jane Smiley
June 20,
Literary Hub,
20 June 2025
-
An unusual addition to a historic cityscape courtesy of artist Jason Jones.—
David Morgan,
CBS News,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Even the cleverest plans leave room for a little improvisation.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
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Part of the demand is perhaps driven by a clever sales tactic.—
Annette Choi,
CNN Money,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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Bo's Bird Dogs are actually chicken tenders dressed up like a dog, giving it a unique Carolina twist.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
24 June 2025
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Unlike traditional computing, which processes information in binary sequences, quantum computing harnesses the unique properties of quantum mechanics—superposition, entanglement and tunneling—to process complex information in entirely new ways.—
Markus Pflitsch,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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For example, in the past a student would have to be failing classes to be considered impaired.—
Alison Escalante,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
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However, the study did find that in women who were not cognitively impaired, elevated stress levels or persistently high cortisol in midlife—especially after menopause—may be a silent risk factor, Salardini says.—
Elizabeth Yuko,
Flow Space,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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And all of the brilliant military minds involved in this attack.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
22 June 2025
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The fit is brilliant, and the Rockets don’t really lose any of their depth or identity with it.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exceptional. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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