remarkable
Americanadjective
-
notably or conspicuously unusual; extraordinary.
a remarkable change.
-
worthy of notice or attention.
- Synonyms:
- striking, distinguished, noteworthy, notable, rare, uncommon, singular, unusual, exceptional
adjective
-
worthy of note or attention
a remarkable achievement
-
unusual, striking, or extraordinary
a remarkable sight
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of remarkable
From the French word remarquable, dating back to 1595–1605; see remark, -able
Explanation
Something remarkable is unusual, exceptional, interesting, or excellent. Remarkable things get your attention. If you take this word literally, you can figure out the meaning: remarkable things make you want to make a remark about them. They get you talking because they're so unusual or good. Getting a B on a test isn't remarkable, unless you usually get D’s. Getting to meet the president would be pretty remarkable. Save this word for things that are really and truly exceptional.
Vocabulary lists containing remarkable
Steve Jobs's Commencement Address (2005)
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Essential English Vocabulary, List 2
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Twelve Angry Men
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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.
Among lizards, goannas stand out as the only lineage known to have lost this armour, only to regain it in a remarkable evolutionary twist.
From Science Daily • May 21, 2026
Bell finished with an impressive 2-23 while Linsey Smith bowled a remarkable spell of 1-10, but her fellow left-arm spinner Ecclestone was targeted as she conceded 34 from three wicketless overs.
From BBC • May 20, 2026
"Male humpback whales are remarkable singers" that "produce long, complex songs," Castro explained.
From Barron's • May 20, 2026
What sets their story apart from other revenge-laden tales of late is Harris’ remarkable knack for unvarnished realism.
From Salon • May 19, 2026
It had been a remarkable trip, one Elizebeth would remember all her life.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
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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.