exceptionalism

noun

ex·cep·tion·al·ism ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm

: the condition of being different from the norm

also : a theory expounding the exceptionalism especially of a nation or region

exceptionalist

ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nə-list

adjective

Examples of exceptionalism in a Sentence

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.

What is certain, however, is that the era of American exceptionalism has ended. —

Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024 Not even the biggest skeptic of American exceptionalism could deny the talent gap, which has often been so considerable that U.S. teams often take the opportunity to showboat during games, like the Harlem Globetrotters playing against the hapless Washington Generals. —

Vulture Editors, Vulture, 31 July 2024 This, again, is a tragic form of American exceptionalism. —

NBC News, 8 Sep. 2024 Obama’s campaign, which rode the story of his own exceptionalism to victory, marked the high reach of that effort. —

Nathan Heller, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for exceptionalism

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of exceptionalism was in 1929

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Exceptionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exceptionalism. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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