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 Shea Whigham provides exceptional levels of Shea Whigham-ness as a friendly federal agent (and ex-client) whose health issues elicit deeper conversations than their professional obligations require. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026 Before this week, exceptional drought had reached Denver during only one previous stretch, from October 2020 through February 2021. — Joe Ruch, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026 Presented annually since 2003, the award recognizes a film professional or organization for exceptional contributions to Asian cinema — a description the Busan festival said Yeoh has readily fulfilled across her four-decade career in movies. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026 Located in Indonesia’s remote eastern islands, it is known for exceptional marine life and clear waters that make snorkeling and diving the main attraction. — Jarrod Hobson, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exceptional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional

Adjective

Six hundred pieces from this extraordinary private collection are featured in an oversized coffee table book, My Time - Blu blu l’amore è blu, published by Christie’s auction house.

— Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Bringing home a massive 75-inch Sony Bravia display panel with Sony Pictures Core high-bitrate streaming credits and dedicated PS5 gaming auto-calibration for under $900 is an extraordinary value.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 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

Deploying renewables paired with intelligent energy conservation and grid management, individuals, businesses, municipalities, and entire countries are earnestly curbing their CO2 emissions.

— John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026
Factories, shipyards and warehouses are becoming intelligent.

— Ariyan Kabir, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of intelligent

Adjective

The conflict played out under the watchful eye of Johnson’s senior adviser, Jason Lee — an unusual involvement for a high-ranking mayoral staffer, given that the $8 million grant is administered by a separate department.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
Guerrero’s struggles have been particularly noticeable, creating an unusual disconnect between his superstar status and his production.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

What family is without someone who at times is angry, drunk, jealous, depressed, impaired or in deep despair?

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
To mend our impaired system, the Senate must end this fast-track approach and restore the 60-vote barrier.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 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

Niewiadoma-Phinney then attacked and, although Vollering stood up in her saddle to chase her the new race leader was riding a brilliant tempo and proved too strong.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
And, as this star cluster grows over time, its stars will become more brilliant.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026