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 Now, in an even darker and more volatile second season, audiences are reentering this world, with a very different Eddie (an exceptional Theo James) at the center. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026 Moreover, the same tree’s fruit may be lackluster in one location and exceptional in another. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Insulet combines exclusive product differentiation, massive Type 2 diabetes market expansion, and exceptional recurring revenue economics. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 The best commerce experience may eventually feel less like browsing a digital shelf and more like interacting with an exceptional salesperson, one who understands the context, eliminates irrelevant options and makes a complex choice feel simple. — Anastasia Shtompel, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exceptional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional

Adjective

South Florida motorists routinely saw police officers hurtling along highways at extraordinary speeds without lights, sirens or any apparent emergency.

— Sally Kestin, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026
Barcelona are still extraordinary — and remain a reminder that there are no quick fixes.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

On July 7, two weeks after Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union, the predominantly Jewish town of Berdichev, where Grossman’s disabled mother was living, was occupied by the German army.

— Nick Holdstock, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026
And some disabled people have had their caregiving slashed by new algorithmic assessments.

— Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of disabled

Adjective

Silicon Labs said the new laboratory expands its ability to develop secure and intelligent wireless technologies as demand for connected devices grows.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
Just over four months later, Google introduced Universal Cart, an intelligent shopping cart that allows consumers to add products from different retailers and purchase them through a single checkout.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of intelligent

Adjective

That’s where cognition becomes impaired, muscle contraction becomes impaired, and metabolism actually slows.

— Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Overdosing on the drug can cause extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, decreased reflexes, respiratory depression, coma and possible death.

— Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of impaired

Adjective

Then an 81-year-old Phil Rizzuto gets into a car and drives off with third base — an especially clever bit, since Rizzuto, as a broadcaster, was famous for leaving early to beat the traffic across the George Washington Bridge.

— Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
It is treated as a quick fix for automation or a clever add-on that makes existing workflows smoother.

— Tal Dagan, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of clever

Adjective

Major European partners are on board as well, including Xilam, pushing French high-end, unique animation series beyond its borders.

— Kevin Giraud, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
The comedic play, which is set at a silent retreat, has the unique convention of having the majority of its characters barely speak, and rather rely on their physicality.

— Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

Frazier was brilliant at throwing it from what would seem the soles of his boots.

— Chris McKenna, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Thomas Pynchon’s brilliant novel Bleeding Edge tried to capture this feeling, suggesting that the terrorist attacks were somehow also the birth of the internet.

— Darren Franich, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026