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

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 Jovic credits playing left wing in local soccer leagues from about ages 6 to 13 for her exceptional, low-to-the-ground footwork. — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 Much like today’s independent watchmakers, their reputations rested not simply on manufacturing every part themselves, but on transforming components into exceptional finished watches. — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 3 July 2026 During the winter, there are exceptional opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. — Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026 Since launching in 2013, the Paris company has built its business by entering some of the world’s most exceptional wardrobes, privy to everything from archival couture collections to rare Hermès handbags and vintage Céline by Phoebe Philo. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exceptional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional

Adjective

While improving, the occupancy rates are far from extraordinary.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
Ducks keep Leo Carlsson The Ducks have matched the Philadelphia Flyers’ offer sheet for center Leo Carlsson, keeping their rising young star at an extraordinary cost.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

Multiple disabled riders spoke with the panel and complained about inadequate warnings.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
After surviving a career-ending stroke, the former officer founded The Wounded Blue, the nation's only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to injured and disabled law enforcement officers.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of disabled

Adjective

Robbyant said the model’s capabilities extend beyond depth perception, enabling broader use cases in robotic vision and intelligent systems.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026
Santos is an intelligent player with lots of potential, and United nabbing him from a ‘Big Six’ rival would be the sort of clever deal that can keep them agile and competitive elsewhere in the summer transfer market.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of intelligent

Adjective

Although his adoption listing didn't mention his unusual paws, his foster mom did.

— Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Indeed, that has led to the highly unusual situation of Australia not being the defending champions in either women’s World Cup, with India holding the 50-over title and New Zealand the T20 crown.

— Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

This gives drivers more time to react and could potentially prevent up to 80% of non-impaired vehicle crashes in the US alone.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
Intense exercise on a sizzling day can lead to extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration, all symptoms of exertional heat illness.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of impaired

Adjective

So began a clever tradition in which clothes dryers, rotisserie ovens, popcorn machines and other gadgets replaced the bassist’s conventional amp stacks.

— Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
In a clever nod to the regional speciality of porcelain, it’s all served on plates by local makers Bernardaud, decorated by the artist Marco Brambilla.

— James Rampton, TheWeek, 9 July 2026

Definition of clever

Adjective

These efforts are intended to validate the unique aspects of its underground deployment strategy before commercial operation.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
Head to the shop near the Duomo to watch the artisans at work and buy a unique piece.

— Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

Normally invisible to us, the corona suddenly leaps into view the moment the moon blocks the sun’s brilliant face.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 10 July 2026
That bit is magical and a joy to watch but the way that Messi shifts the ball and shoots at the end of that dribble is brilliant, too.

— Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026