exceptional

[ik-sep-shuh-nl]

adjective

1. forming an exception or rare instance; unusual; extraordinary.

   The warm weather was exceptional for January.

   Synonyms: anomalous, aberrant, unnatural, strange, singular, uncommon

2. unusually excellent; superior.

   an exceptional violinist.

   Antonyms: ordinary, average

3. Education.,  (of a child)

   1. being intellectually gifted.

   2. being physically or especially mentally disabled to an extent that special schooling is required.

exceptional

/ ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl /

adjective

1. forming an exception; not ordinary

2. having much more than average intelligence, ability, or skill

Other Word Forms

• exceptionally adverb
• exceptionality noun
• exceptionalness noun
• nonexceptional adjective
• preexceptional adjective
• quasi-exceptional adjective
• superexceptional adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exceptional¹

First recorded in 1840–50; exception + -al ¹

Synonym Study

See irregular.

Example Sentences

The law is designed to allow the Hague to intervene in companies under exceptional circumstances.

Read more on BBC

“The U.S. Treasury is prepared, immediately,” Mr. Bessent wrote, “to take whatever exceptional measures are warranted to provide stability to markets.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"Thomas was an integral part of J&B Engineering, known not only for his exceptional work ethic but also for his kindness, warmth, and quiet nature," the firm said.

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The drones were small and not piloted by French military personnel, the regional branch of the army said, describing the incident as "exceptional".

Read more on Barron's

Hillingdon Council says it is at risk of going effectively bankrupt and has put in a request for exceptional financial support from the government.

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Related Words

• extraordinary 
• notable 
• noteworthy 
• odd 
• phenomenal 
• rare 
• remarkable 
• singular 
• special 
• strange 
• uncommon 
• unheard-of 
• unique 
• unprecedented 
• unusual