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

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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 Defence and goaltending The defence is more difficult to project, beyond Bouchard retaining his exceptional status. — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Read More TopicsVogue Weddings Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice. — Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 30 July 2026 At the same time, nearby Thompson Pass offers exceptional hiking and some of the state’s most impressive waterfalls. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2026 The recent surges for sellers of computer processors and memory are backed by real revenue and profits, but the exceptional growth won’t be sustainable if AI does not produce as much profit and productivity as hoped. — Stan Choe, Fortune, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exceptional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional

Adjective

The challenge before us is serious, but the promise of American higher education remains extraordinary.

— Daniel Diermeier, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Today’s leading model will eventually be replaced, and capabilities that seem extraordinary now will become familiar.

— Brent Saunders, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

Dane County Circuit Judge Everett Mitchell found that Wisconsin’s paper-only absentee ballot system violates the rights of disabled voters who cannot complete a paper ballot without assistance.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 4 Aug. 2026
The judge declined to order elections officials to offer electronic ballots to qualified disabled voters, saying the parties still disputed whether that was a reasonable remedy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of disabled

Adjective

This helps explain why intelligent, experienced leaders can continue producing results while missing the early signs that their judgment, relationships, health, or influence are beginning to slide.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Inside the new controller Rather than storing data itself, the MXC chip acts as an intelligent bridge between a server’s processor and external DDR5 memory.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of intelligent

Adjective

Ultimately, both sides are jockeying for power after the war, given the unusual uncertainty brought on by the change in the supreme leadership.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Some reported magnetic order, unusual Hall effects, and efficient spin-charge conversion, while others found no evidence of magnetism in bulk crystals or relaxed thin films.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

Ultimately, glorifying sleep deprivation is counterproductive; prioritizing sleep is key for career longevity and productivity, while chronic insomnia leads to impaired judgment and hinders professional growth.

— Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
With the rise in bariatric surgery, more patients are developing iron deficiency due to impaired iron absorption, Thomas said.

— Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of impaired

Adjective

The Duchess of Sussex and Cookie Queens director Alysa Nahmias sat down for a Q&A session after the film, and, in photos from the event, eagle-eyed fans noticed a unique-looking ring on Meghan’s middle finger.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
As past and present echo through the mountains, human encroachment and indifference threaten to erase their unique spirit, and his story becomes a reflection of an age-old, unequal struggle.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

In recent years, Apatow and Bonfiglio have been documenting some of comedy’s most brilliant minds, like George Carlin – another mega-talent who could go on Mount Rushmore.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 July 2026
My perspectives on the poem have been informed and shaped by the work of many brilliant colleagues and predecessors, including those in this volume and many more.

— Emma Specter, Vogue, 31 July 2026