1
as in extraordinary
being out of the ordinary
an exceptional amount of snow fell in March
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind
a special school for exceptional children
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exceptional
Bell had an exceptional sprint to the outside for his stop on a wide rushing play.
—
David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2025
The Panthers’ power play has been exceptional this series, with the team scoring five times with an advantage so far in the finals.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 10 June 2025
The first part was the taking of the Planter, wondering what kind of person would do this and create [the story] of such an exceptional human being.
—Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 10 June 2025
All of our leathers are carefully selected from the finest tanneries in the world for their exceptional quality and functional capability.
—Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for exceptional
David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2025
The Panthers’ power play has been exceptional this series, with the team scoring five times with an advantage so far in the finals.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 10 June 2025
The first part was the taking of the Planter, wondering what kind of person would do this and create [the story] of such an exceptional human being.
—Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 10 June 2025
All of our leathers are carefully selected from the finest tanneries in the world for their exceptional quality and functional capability.
—Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for exceptional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional
Adjective
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But Madigan’s extraordinary four days of testimony, in the end, weren’t enough.—
Ray Long,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2025
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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
-
Who qualifies for a disabled placard or license plate in Texas?—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 June 2025
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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
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Lucy’s colleagues refer to men like him—tall, handsome, in finance, intelligent, urbane—as unicorns.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
21 June 2025
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Celebrate intelligent risk-taking, not just polished outcomes.—
Bill Fischer,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
Adjective
-
Is there a relationship between writing and fiction and unusual height?—
Jane Smiley
June 20,
Literary Hub,
20 June 2025
-
An unusual addition to a historic cityscape courtesy of artist Jason Jones.—
David Morgan,
CBS News,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
Even the cleverest plans leave room for a little improvisation.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
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Part of the demand is perhaps driven by a clever sales tactic.—
Annette Choi,
CNN Money,
21 June 2025
Adjective
-
His unparalleled talent and unique spirit created the soundtrack of so many lives around the globe, including our own.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
12 June 2025
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Players take turns adding their own spin with a creative stroke, but everyone respects the rule associated with this unique tradition.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
12 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
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Exceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exceptional. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.
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