ˌən-ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəl
as in normal
being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events
the physicist, now regarded as one of the brightest minds in science, was an unexceptional student as a child
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Recent Examples of unexceptional
The monologue that led to Kimmel’s involuntary hiatus was thoroughly unexceptional for the show.
—
Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025
The Citizen: This is a character who is normal in every possible way, living an unexceptional life, who makes a morally dubious choice that leads them down The Path Of No Return.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Aaron Rodgers has plenty to prove heading into the Pittsburgh Steelers' season opener after a rather unexceptional 2024 from both a team and an individual perspective.
—Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Left exposed, Lebanon could not prevent Iran from projecting its power through Hezbollah, which evolved from its original state as an unexceptional guerilla force into a highly professional and well-armed paramilitary organization.
—Bilal Y. Saab, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2010
See All Example Sentences for unexceptional
Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025
The Citizen: This is a character who is normal in every possible way, living an unexceptional life, who makes a morally dubious choice that leads them down The Path Of No Return.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Aaron Rodgers has plenty to prove heading into the Pittsburgh Steelers' season opener after a rather unexceptional 2024 from both a team and an individual perspective.
—Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Left exposed, Lebanon could not prevent Iran from projecting its power through Hezbollah, which evolved from its original state as an unexceptional guerilla force into a highly professional and well-armed paramilitary organization.
—Bilal Y. Saab, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2010
See All Example Sentences for unexceptional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexceptional
Adjective
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The mall resumed operations as normal following the shooting, as police determined there was no threat to the general public.—
Andrew Adeolu,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
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Waymo vehicles also can take 30 minutes to wait for and twice as long as a normal ride.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Deuterium can replace one or both of the ordinary hydrogen atoms in water, which is what scientists mean by deuterium enrichment.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
30 Mar. 2026
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For instance, investments that give off income that is taxed at ordinary rates go into retirement accounts like IRAs, said CFP Cathy Curtis, founder and CEO of Curtis Financial Planning.—
Michelle Fox,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The tank was placed on the ice March 10 and fell through by March 25, weeks earlier than usual.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
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The injury riddled Kings — playing their second game in 24 hours and their third in four nights — were even more shorthanded than usual.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Thousands are now not showing up for work, hundreds have quit altogether, and the average wait time at airports has reached record levels.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
26 Mar. 2026
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That’s the view of Robinhood, which counts 250,000 customers paying on average $250 annually to use its Strategies, an AI tool guided by human advisors.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Games that still are too typical of the NCAA women’s tournament where the higher seed seldom loses.—
Mac Engel
March 31,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
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Food and drink At first glance, Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge seemed like a typical NYC rooftop—the kind of place where views take priority and food is an afterthought.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Brenner pointed out that across all three enterprises, there is a need to fulfill customer desires for optionality above all else, even as same-day delivery becomes more commonplace among delivery providers.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
31 Mar. 2026
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Moore’s demo may seem far-fetched, but the future of these privacy intrusions may become commonplace.—
Justyn Newman,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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La Bonne Brosse’s best-selling boar bristle brush is an indulgence that turns an otherwise unremarkable hair tool into an extra-special daily treat.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
26 Mar. 2026
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AccuWeather's first hurricane season outlook says the number of storms may be unremarkable, but warm water temperatures can cause surprising dangers.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unexceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexceptional. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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