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

• exceptionality noun
• exceptionally adverb
• 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

ECC said that Smith, who managed and signed its contracts with CalOES, gave ECC “a very positive performance review” when it completed the Sonoma and Santa Rosa work — describing its work as “exceptional.”

From Los Angeles Times

Last year, I moved to New York City and thus, my search for a bar with exceptional lychee martinis resumed.

From Salon

"We know that change can be uncomfortable, but we are excited about the opportunities ahead as we propel forward to achieve our growth ambitions and delivering exceptional customer experiences."

From BBC

"He can swing it both ways with exceptional death skills as well so to have him in the team and for him to be opening up tomorrow is awesome."

From BBC

She has previously praised the law firm, saying through a spokesperson that it “delivered exceptional results and seamless representation.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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