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

The extraordinary beginnings of Stallone’s breakout film were explained in a New York Times interview soon after Rocky‘s release.

— Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2026
Given the extraordinary circumstances around this review, going anywhere else for photos felt almost dishonest.

— Kevin Fanady, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 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

The Wiles interviews stuck out for their candor, which is unusual for a sitting White House chief of staff.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
Claude can also flag unusual transactions, duplicate charges, unexpected fees and bills that have gradually increased.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

In a new Nature study, astronomers built clever software for the James Webb Space Telescope that makes this task less challenging, giving the observatory a better chance of spotting planets closer to their stars.

— Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026
Its clever design has a few useful features to tackle all the possible challenges.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 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