exceptional
12 synonyms and 7 antonyms for exceptional, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Unusually good; far above average.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use exceptional
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
exceptional circumstances
exceptional talent
truly exceptional
Etymology
From exception + the adjective suffix -al.
Full origin of exceptional →Frequently asked questions
What does “exceptional” mean?
The word “exceptional” means unusually good; far above average. In plain terms, either outstandingly good, or simply unusual/out of the ordinary.
How do you pronounce “exceptional”?
“Exceptional” is pronounced ihk-SEHP-shuh-nuhl (/ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “exceptional” in a sentence?
Here is “exceptional” used in a sentence: “Her exceptional talent for languages impressed the examiners.”
What is another word for “exceptional”?
Words with a similar meaning to “exceptional” include egregious.
What is the opposite of “exceptional”?
The opposite of “exceptional” — its antonyms — are ordinary, categorical, common, general and usual.
What part of speech is “exceptional”?
“Exceptional” is an adjective.
Is “exceptional” a common word?
“Exceptional” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “exceptional” have?
“Exceptional” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unusually good; far above average.
Does exceptional mean good or just unusual?
It has both senses. Most often it means unusually good — far above average, as in "an exceptional student" — but in formal or technical contexts it simply means not typical, forming an exception to the usual pattern. Context normally makes clear which sense is intended.
What is the difference between exceptional and excellent?
Excellent means extremely good, while exceptional suggests something so far above average that it stands out as a rarity. Exceptional also has a neutral second sense, "not typical," which excellent does not share.
What is the difference between exceptional and exceptionable?
The two look similar but differ sharply in meaning. Exceptional means far above average or not typical, while exceptionable is a formal word meaning open to objection — something one could take exception to. Using exceptionable when exceptional is meant is a well-known usage error.
