ˌən-ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəl
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
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Recent Examples of unexceptional
Even in good times, economic growth under the euro was unexceptional, but with the global financial crisis, the situation grew dire.
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Andrew Moravcsik, Foreign Affairs, 17 Oct. 2016
The ambivalence of André and his parents was culturally unexceptional, but Simone’s abhorrence wasn’t.
—Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024
Los bárbaros is a razor-sharp critique not only of how authorities respond to violent events—which have become sadly unexceptional along the border—but also of the implicit trust placed in the moving image when used to document such incidents.
—Maricarmen Barrios, ARTnews.com, 26 July 2024
Between meetings, Winfrey was photographed in a pair of Philo’s $1,700 chalk-white jeans with straps at the knee and a $1,700 fluid white turtleneck, looking like, well, anyone else who pairs a white blouse with white trousers, which is to say pulled together but unexceptional.
—Rachel Tashjian, Washington Post, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for unexceptional 
Andrew Moravcsik, Foreign Affairs, 17 Oct. 2016
The ambivalence of André and his parents was culturally unexceptional, but Simone’s abhorrence wasn’t.
—Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024
Los bárbaros is a razor-sharp critique not only of how authorities respond to violent events—which have become sadly unexceptional along the border—but also of the implicit trust placed in the moving image when used to document such incidents.
—Maricarmen Barrios, ARTnews.com, 26 July 2024
Between meetings, Winfrey was photographed in a pair of Philo’s $1,700 chalk-white jeans with straps at the knee and a $1,700 fluid white turtleneck, looking like, well, anyone else who pairs a white blouse with white trousers, which is to say pulled together but unexceptional.
—Rachel Tashjian, Washington Post, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for unexceptional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexceptional
Adjective
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Temperatures are expected to be close to average for the time of year in the Great Plains, but lower than normal readings are anticipated for much of the Midwest, East and South up to January 16.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025
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The sisters stunned viewers with their ability to coordinate movements and their determination to lead a normal life.Karla Renic, People.com, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Finding a few flaky specs on your head isn’t anything out of the ordinary.Jenna Ryu, SELF, 20 Dec. 2024
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Like in previous years, the live show was dominated by domestic issues, with journalists and ordinary citizens asking about soaring consumer prices and mortgages, paltry pensions and a shortage of doctors.Vladimir Isachenkov, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Captain Rohit Sharma could not even make it to the fifth Test, so abject his batting as a notably flustered persona took hold of his usual unflappable demeanour, while mighty Virat Kohli was reduced to a diminished figure after continually being baffled by Scott Boland.Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
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It was started on a Sunday in order to allow the Metropolitan Transportation Authority enough time to fix any kinks, during a day when traffic is quieter than usual.Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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An average international roundtrip is $1,630 — 13% more expensive.Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 23 Dec. 2024
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Northbound Stock Connect volumes were just above average.Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Now that a new year has arrived — bringing with it a return to regular routines and the typical flurry of resolutions — many may be eager to look and feel healthier.Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 2 Jan. 2025
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Popular on Variety But what elevates it from a typical procedural, in Henry’s eyes, is the focus on the relationships between Kat and her friends, family and colleagues, including her boss Ellis Stagger (Richard Armitage, marking his fourth Coben adaptation).K.J. Yossman, Variety, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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At the same time, collaborative efforts at the global level will become commonplace, and leaders will manage increasingly diverse teams in terms of both geographical location and skills.Esade Business & Law School, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
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Superlatives are so commonplace within football parlance that their meaning can become diluted, but Isak warrants his designation.Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Each time, either the regular-season tilt or the Rose Bowl itself was a classic and the other game was unremarkable.Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
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The answer usually lies in the mundane: the ability to show up, the unremarkable routine, the persistence and the small, steady steps that add up over time.Dr. Rina Koshkina, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near unexceptional
Cite this Entry
“Unexceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexceptional. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
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