What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exceptional
Example
Her exceptional talent in music earned her a scholarship to the conservatory. [exceptional: adjective]
Example
The company's exceptional growth in the last quarter was unexpected. [exceptional: adjective]
extraordinary
Example
The team's extraordinary effort resulted in a victory against the top-ranked team. [extraordinary: adjective]
Example
The storm caused extraordinary damage to the coastal town. [extraordinary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exceptional is more common in everyday language than extraordinary, which is often reserved for more formal or dramatic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exceptional and extraordinary?
Extraordinary is generally considered more formal than exceptional, and is often used in more dramatic or literary contexts.
