exceptional

adjective

ex·​cep·​tion·​al ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce exceptional (audio)
1
: forming an exception : rare
an exceptional number of rainy days
2
: better than average : superior
exceptional skill
3
: deviating from the norm: such as
a
: having above or below average intelligence
b
: physically disabled
exceptionality noun
exceptionalness noun

Examples of exceptional in a Sentence

We're bending the rules for this exceptional situation. an exceptional student in math The seafood dishes at this restaurant are exceptional. a separate school for exceptional children
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
One exceptional find this season is Ashlyn —founded by the South Korean designer Ashlynn Park—which had a number of looks on display in an art gallery in Paris’ first arrondissement. Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 The core motion module is capable of a maximum joint torque of 300 N·m, a peak torque density of 203 N·m/kg, and exceptional mobility with a walking speed of 2 m/s, along with a natural human-like gait. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025 Well, first of all, John’s an exceptional collaborator. Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025 Winfrey and Goldberg had become intra-racial foes — no longer likable examples of black American excellence but strident political operatives who exuded exceptional dishonesty: That Quincy intro lacked sisterhood. Armond White, National Review, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exceptional

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exceptional was in 1787

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Cite this Entry

“Exceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exceptional. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

exceptional

adjective
ex·​cep·​tion·​al ik-ˈsep-shnəl How to pronounce exceptional (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
1
: forming an exception : being unusual
an exceptional amount of rain
2
: better than average : superior
an exceptional student in math
exceptionally
adverb
exceptionalness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on exceptional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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