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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind
a special school for exceptional children
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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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
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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
Adjective
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In addition to overseeing Social Security benefits for retirees and disabled people, the Social Security Administration helps administer programs run by other agencies, including Medicare and Medicaid.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
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Earlier this year, then-Fire Chief Kristin Crowley cited disabled engines, and a lack of mechanics, as one reason why fire officials did not dispatch more personnel to Pacific Palisades before the Jan. 7 fire.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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In 1950 the Italian physicist Enrico Fermi was discussing the possibility of intelligent alien life with his colleagues.—
Philip Ball,
Wired News,
8 June 2025
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Second, a human must be kept in the loop of intelligent machine decision-making processes.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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The unusual incident was documented on a Reddit page dedicated to all things Walmart.—
Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
8 June 2025
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Hamas issued an unusual warning about another hostage, Matan Zangauker, saying Israel's military had surrounded the area where he's held and that any harm that came to him during a rescue attempt would be Israel's responsibility.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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The argument that Trump has violated the 10th Amendment is a clever subversion of a line of thinking that has traditionally been backed by conservative judges, said Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law.—
Laura J. Nelson,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
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Barenaked Ladies, Sugar Ray and Fastball Three lively, strident bands known for clever lyrics and fun banter relive the 1990s for you on July 13 at 7 p.m. at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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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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Astrid stands out as a positive representation of a confident and smart young woman who doesn’t rely on her beauty, but rather her instincts and her unique skill set.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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Along with a loss of energy, aging felines also start losing their sense of smell and may get impaired vision or hearing, among other physical issues.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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The brilliant fruits of tessellated talents at opposite sides of the world.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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The Emerald Coast beaches have fine quartz crystal sand and brilliant green waters, which give the coastline its eponymous name.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exceptional. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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