exceptional
adjective
ex·cep·tion·al
ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəl 
2
: better than average : superior
exceptional skill
3
: deviating from the norm: such as
a
: having above or below average intelligence
b
: physically disabled
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
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
The site is exceptional: The North Branch of the Chicago River winds through its full length, offering an opportunity to weave parkland through the development.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
All numbers five-on-five, via Natural Stat Trick The top three unduplicated pairings (in blue) show exceptional goal suppression.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 31 May 2025
As a pioneer of resorts in the Caribbean for more than 40 years, the brand is constantly introducing new dining concepts, activities, experiences, and accommodations, all designed to create exceptional stays.
—AFAR Media, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for exceptional
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Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
The site is exceptional: The North Branch of the Chicago River winds through its full length, offering an opportunity to weave parkland through the development.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
All numbers five-on-five, via Natural Stat Trick The top three unduplicated pairings (in blue) show exceptional goal suppression.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 31 May 2025
As a pioneer of resorts in the Caribbean for more than 40 years, the brand is constantly introducing new dining concepts, activities, experiences, and accommodations, all designed to create exceptional stays.
—AFAR Media, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for exceptional
Cite this Entry
“Exceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exceptional. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
exceptional
adjective
ex·cep·tion·al
ik-ˈsep-shnəl
-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
-ē
exceptionalness
noun
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