exceptional

adjective

ex·​cep·​tion·​al ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: forming an exception : rare

an exceptional number of rainy days

2

: better than average : superior

exceptional skill

3

: deviating from the norm: such as

a

: having above or below average intelligence

b

: physically disabled

exceptionality

ik-ˌsep-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

exceptionalness noun

Synonyms

• aberrant
• aberrated
• abnormal
• anomalous
• atypical
• especial
• exceeding
• extraordinaire
• extraordinary
• freak
• odd
• peculiar
• phenomenal
• preternatural
• rare
• singular
• uncommon
• uncustomary
• unique
• unusual
• unwonted

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

For die-hard baseball fans, this may not come as a shock, given the exceptional bullpens of teams like the Guardians and the Braves. —Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Almost 40 years later, in 2022, Tears for Fears entered the Top 10 once again with their exceptional album, The Tipping Point. —Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 22 Oct. 2024

Beau, however, thought the killer Broadway moves were exceptional. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2024

All bandas and the communal lounge, dining area, and pool have exceptional views, either over the mountain peaks or towards the Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. —Kate Lewis, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids 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

-ē

adverb

exceptionalness noun