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
Synonyms
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
So those things are most challenging to teach: getting off the ball, range, making exceptional plays, his pre-pitch timing.
—
Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024
The hotel’s exceptional attention to detail in indigenous design and tailored service, along with its commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the local ecosystem, adds an enriching layer to your stay.
—Joe Niehaus, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2024
This year’s list will live as a special curation on The Vault, Robb Report’s online retail destination for all things rare and exceptional—and, for a limited time, will be exclusively shoppable for those with access to the QR codes in the pages of this magazine.
—Josh Condon, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2024
This adaptation, combined with keen senses of smell and exceptional swimming capabilities, has helped these creatures survive the many challenges posed by our ever-changing planet.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for exceptional 
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Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024
The hotel’s exceptional attention to detail in indigenous design and tailored service, along with its commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the local ecosystem, adds an enriching layer to your stay.
—Joe Niehaus, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2024
This year’s list will live as a special curation on The Vault, Robb Report’s online retail destination for all things rare and exceptional—and, for a limited time, will be exclusively shoppable for those with access to the QR codes in the pages of this magazine.
—Josh Condon, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2024
This adaptation, combined with keen senses of smell and exceptional swimming capabilities, has helped these creatures survive the many challenges posed by our ever-changing planet.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for exceptional
Dictionary Entries Near exceptional
Cite this Entry
“Exceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exceptional. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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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