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.
As the city transforms into a global hub for art and culture, the demand for exceptional accommodations soars. Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 Tagovailoa has been exceptional since his return in Week 8, throwing 11 touchdown passes with just one interception while averaging 255.4 passing yards per game. C.j. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024 Among the four exceptional seasonal scents, Gloria is a recurring vessel in the collection and an opulent, spicy masterclass. Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2024 November 26, 2024 Twenty-five years ago, a Harvard Business School case study featured the exceptional networking practices of Silicon Valley entrepreneur and venture capitalist Heidi Roizen. Harvard Business Review, 26 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near exceptional

Cite this Entry

“Exceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exceptional. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!