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

The highest conviction stocks coming into 2025 was to buy American exceptionalism by adding to the tech sector and rotate into health and energy. —Robert Daugherty, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025

This condition is what philosopher Charles Mills, speaking of the American context, labeled epistemological ignorance—a deliberate unknowing, an insistence on the myth of white superiority, of white exceptionalism. —Christine Winter, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025

The resistance was borne of the same ilk that fueled arguments from staunch opponents of affirmative-action, and, not unlike that fight, presents a paradox that reveals not only dangerous ironies but a bigger issue around the myth of American exceptionalism. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025

Examples of myths from American culture include but are not limited to American exceptionalism, the American frontier, the rugged individual and the American dream. —Timothy J. Brown, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for exceptionalism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anabolism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism