EXCEPTIONAL Synonyms: 247 Similar and Opposite Words

exceptional

adjective

ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəl

Definition of exceptional

as in extraordinary

being out of the ordinary an exceptional amount of snow fell in March

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in intelligent

having or showing quickness of mind a special school for exceptional children

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of exceptional Deadline hears that organizers originally wanted CEO Neal Mohan, which would have been an exceptional booking. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026 Bringing home a dedicated Bose television soundbar equipped with angled spatial drivers, dialogue-boosting algorithms, and expandable bass ports for under $200 is an exceptional value, making this the ideal window to upgrade your movie nights. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026 So Big Part of what made Dolly exceptional was her broad appeal and universal adoration. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Aug. 2026 Their records as Trio are legend, the kind of work that proves that, sometimes, three really excellent things can combine to make something even more exceptional. — Marah Eakin, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exceptional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exceptional

Adjective

One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her.

— Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Harald’s death was officially announced at an extraordinary Council of State meeting at Norway’s Royal Palace on Friday, as the full title of the new King was formally presented.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

Related Stories The film follows Di Marco’s titular character, a disabled young adult who works as a dominant at a fetish house.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
David Lugo earned a modest living as a mechanic throughout his life, supporting his mother and disabled sister, but three years ago, the 60-year-old's kidneys failed.

— Rina Nakano, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of disabled

Adjective

Our hardware-agnostic capabilities expedite industrial adoption of Physical AI, while building the foundation that will support the next generation of intelligent robotic systems, including industrial humanoids.

— John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Xiaomi moves beyond Nvidia Xiaomi’s existing electric vehicles have relied on Nvidia hardware for their intelligent-driving systems.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of intelligent

Adjective

While his batting order remains unchanged, the team has made an unusual move, relocating Guerrero's locker to a new spot.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Land exchanges are common elsewhere in the federal government, but exchanging National Park Service land for private development access is unusual, NOTUS reported, citing a former park service official.

— Annie Palmer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

The renovation took two years, and the sisters are still updating and tweaking the villa with new color schemes and clever offerings.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Of course, that always creates opportunities for movies to break through and shine, thanks to clever marketing.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of clever

Adjective

The growing normalization and adoption of open-weight AI models, as enterprises and consumers alike seek to customize models to their unique use cases.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Nike’s athletes’ kits this season were inspired by basketball, presenting a unique sartorial challenge blending the two distinct on-court sports.

— Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

The show becomes attached to the drive, campsite, weather, and whatever food seemed like a brilliant idea after eight hours outside.

— Svetlana Khachiyan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Part of a continuing cycle People often think of scientific discovery as a eureka light bulb above the head of a brilliant scientist, but discovery rarely happens that way.

— Don Figer, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026