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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 Methanol is showing exceptional promise as an accessible, early-stage cleaner fuel for shipping. New Atlas, 21 June 2025 This pilot excels in capturing intimate moments with authenticity and nuance, showcasing exceptional filmmaking craft. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 June 2025 From San Francisco to Seoul, these 58 extraordinary watering holes serve up exceptional cocktails, stunning design and world-class service. Forbes Staff, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 Barring an exceptional situation, such as an injury crisis, he is not expected to play regularly for the first team — despite appearing in five games this season and scoring his first senior goal in May. Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for exceptional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional
Adjective
  • But Madigan’s extraordinary four days of testimony, in the end, weren’t enough.
    Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
  • This extraordinary high-altitude migration highlights the their unique physiological adaptations, offering valuable insight into how animals can evolve to overcome extreme environmental challenges.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Founded in 2021, Inevitable Foundation has supported hundreds of disabled filmmakers through a series of programs, including its Accelerate Fellowship, Elevate Collective, Elevate for Podcasters and Emergency Relief Fund.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 18 June 2025
  • Wilcox’s attorney, Bryant Scriven, told the Orlando Sentinel his client was a disabled military veteran who is neither a violent nor a hateful person.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lucy’s colleagues refer to men like him—tall, handsome, in finance, intelligent, urbane—as unicorns.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
  • Celebrate intelligent risk-taking, not just polished outcomes.
    Bill Fischer, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • An unusual addition to a historic cityscape courtesy of artist Jason Jones.
    David Morgan, CBS News, 20 June 2025
  • James Hurley gives a moving performance at the Road House outside of Twin Peaks, and learns of an unusual vision experienced by his cockney co-worker at Great Northern security, Freddie, who will defend James from the attack of a jealous husband with a most unusual strength-enhancing glove.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even the cleverest plans leave room for a little improvisation.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • Part of the demand is perhaps driven by a clever sales tactic.
    Annette Choi, CNN Money, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Bo's Bird Dogs are actually chicken tenders dressed up like a dog, giving it a unique Carolina twist.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
  • The mayoral primary’s two leading candidates — one a fresh-faced progressive and the other an older moderate — could be stand-ins for the larger Democratic Party’s ideological divide, though Cuomo’s scandal-scarred past adds a unique tinge to the narrative.
    Anthony Izaguirre, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • For example, in the past a student would have to be failing classes to be considered impaired.
    Alison Escalante, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • However, the study did find that in women who were not cognitively impaired, elevated stress levels or persistently high cortisol in midlife—especially after menopause—may be a silent risk factor, Salardini says.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • However, the 29-year-old righty has been brilliant at Triple-A this season, going 7-0 with a 0.90 ERA over 50 innings (11 games, 9 starts).
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
  • The fit is brilliant, and the Rockets don’t really lose any of their depth or identity with it.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exceptional. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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