Synonyms

exceptionally

American

[ik-sep-shuh-nuh-lee] / ɪkˈsɛp ʃə nə li /

adverb

in a way or to a degree that is unusual or extraordinary; extremely.

The combination of an exceptionally high tide and a devastating storm surge has wreaked havoc on coastal communities.
In the photo, a young woman sits on the floor of a small shanty in an exceptionally impoverished neighborhood.

Other Word Forms

nonexceptionally adverb
preexceptionally adverb
quasi-exceptionally adverb
superexceptionally adverb

Etymology

Origin of exceptionally

exceptional ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

A walk in the park is nice, but it’s exceptionally nice on a beautiful spring day when the weather is perfect, flowers are blooming, and birds are singing. Think of the word exceptionally as a magic wand that upgrades adjectives from ordinary to extraordinary. For example, a good day could just be a pleasant day when nothing bad happens, but an exceptionally good day would be closer to having the best day of your life. While exceptionally usually carries a positive meaning, it can also be used to describe something that is particularly unusual, like an exceptionally large shrimp.

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Vocabulary lists containing exceptionally

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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.

But AI spending has made the current difference exceptionally wide: S&P companies are expected to earn $2.8 trillion this year but generate only $1.9 trillion in free cash.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The gas transfers heat exceptionally well, making it ideal for rapid cooling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

With competitive three-tier pricing starting at $3.49/month, it offers a refined, “set-it-and-forget-it” experience that reliably unblocks global content and performs exceptionally well even in restrictive jurisdictions.

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

This is an exceptionally delicate and even dangerous link to point out, even if fully substantiated.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

From the time I was two, when I first started speaking in paragraphs that began with topic sentences, Malcolm and Maud had told me that I was exceptionally smart.

From "Confessions of a Murder Suspect" by James Patterson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023