unexceptional

adjective

ˌən-ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəl
Definition of unexceptionalnext
as in normal
being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events the physicist, now regarded as one of the brightest minds in science, was an unexceptional student as a child

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of unexceptional That’s why nominating another batch of respectable but unexceptional candidates—the preference of the party’s DC establishment—could be deadly. — Chris Smith, Vanity Fair, 16 Feb. 2026 Dad had always told me his father was a naval officer who'd had an unexceptional career and died suddenly in a traffic accident. — CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025 Meanwhile, Young and the Panthers' offense has been unexceptional through three quarters, but did enough to take a 13-3 lead into the fourth quarter. — Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025 The site includes several unexceptional museums housed in palaces, but two must-see attractions are the Mosque of Mohammed Ali and the Gawhara Terrace for a fantastic view over Cairo. — Nada El Sawy, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for unexceptional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexceptional
  1. normal
  2. ordinary
  3. usual
  4. average
  5. typical
  6. commonplace
  7. unremarkable
Adjective
  • After The Dick Van Dyke Show wrapped, Matthews returned to a normal childhood life and attended UCLA.
    — Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Vertical speeds during normal operations rarely exceed plus or minus 4,000 feet per minute, FlightRadar24 said.
    — Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of normal
Adjective
  • Once considered an ordinary metal, it was found in 2019 to become superconducting below about 2 kelvins.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Things that seem strange or even barbaric to us today were sometimes considered perfectly ordinary at another point in history.
    — Jim Dudlicek, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of ordinary
Adjective
  • The products were Park Hyatt’s usual—delicious-smelling La Labo toiletries.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • There’s deals on makeup, too, like the Ilia Limitless Mascara at 20% off for just $23 compared to its usual $30.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of usual
Adjective
  • The party has an average 8-point lead in generic congressional ballot polling, according to RealClearPolitics.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Her special talent was to make historic gardening techniques and designs accessible for the average gardener, championing the potager—which combines flowers with useful, edible plants—and creating gardens for Elton John and the then Prince of Wales.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of average
Adjective
  • Ironically, the one spot where Dearborn Park genuinely engages the cityscape is along the west side of State south of Roosevelt where a row of single-family homes follows Chicago’s typical development pattern.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
  • While not your typical sneaker moment, the shoe blended the comfort of a casual sneaker with all the style and swagger of a high heel.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of typical
Adjective
  • In June, students spoke up at a district board meeting, claiming that racial slurs had become more commonplace on campus, the Independent reported.
    — Terry Castleman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The images on Lotería cards have typically featured commonplace objects and characters and have drawn on artistic influences including tarot cards, local cultures, and religion.
    — Sanat Pai Raikar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of commonplace
Adjective
  • An unremarkable meal, or a conversation that fills 10 spare minutes rarely feels consequential on its own.
    — Justin Vaughn, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Only six rather unremarkable tropical storms have formed there this season.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of unremarkable

Browse Nearby Words

unexceptionable
unexceptional
unexcitable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unexceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexceptional. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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