exceptional
Americanadjective
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forming an exception or rare instance; unusual; extraordinary.
The warm weather was exceptional for January.
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unusually excellent; superior.
an exceptional violinist.
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Education. (of a child)
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being intellectually gifted.
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being physically or especially mentally disabled to an extent that special schooling is required.
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adjective
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forming an exception; not ordinary
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having much more than average intelligence, ability, or skill
Related Words
See irregular.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of exceptional
Explanation
Generally, exceptional is a compliment––"the concert was exceptional" means it was better than what could have been expected. But it can also just mean unusual. "Maria gets to skip gym, but hers is an exceptional case." Exceptional begins with the Latin prefix ex- 'out,' because something exceptional stands out in some way. In certain cases, exceptional can mean under-performing. Children with special educational needs are sometimes referred to in this way, as exceptional or special.
Vocabulary lists containing exceptional
Thumbs Up: Synonyms for "Good"
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Between the World and Me
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Because of Mr. Terupt
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Nothing in the Constitution gives elected actors this exceptional power.
From Slate • May 26, 2026
The orchestra is famed for taking startling chances on charismatic, emerging but inexperienced conductors of exceptional talent who reached greatness and became dazzling stars over long tenures.
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
Trade magazine Variety credits some of its popularity to an exceptional performance by star Inde Navarrette that "demands awards attention."
From Barron's • May 24, 2026
“Everlane will remain an independent brand, staying true to our longstanding brand values, sustainability commitments, and exceptional quality,” CEO Alfred Chang said in a statement.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026
In some exceptional cases, when food sources were particularly rich, bands settled down in seasonal and even permanent camps.
From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
