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 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unexceptional
Adjective
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Outside these sessions, both groups trained as normal.RM Clark, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024
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This week isn’t nearly as packed as normal, and that means that the Blackpink star faced less competition in her rise on the list of the bestselling albums on the U.S. version of iTunes.Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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To find the best hotels in Miami, our incognito inspectors posed as ordinary guests and stayed multiple nights at each property.Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
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Holliman had done several guest-starring roles on 1950s TV before making history as the focus of the first episode of The Twilight Zone, Rod Serling’s landmark anthology series that put ordinary people in extraordinary situations.Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The Princess of Wales has also experimented with her usual jewelry this year and occasionally switched out her iconic sapphire engagement ring that previously belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, for a sparkly stack of bands including an unusual new eternity ring.Janine Henni, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
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Lack of meeting is 'a lost opportunity' Colorado Commissioner Becky Mitchell on Thursday noted that the annual conference here had not led to its usual interstate negotiations.Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The cold will bring daytime highs that are 10 to 20 degrees below average, in the 30s and the low 40s, from Omaha, Nebraska, to New York and stretching south.Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 29 Nov. 2024
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Read below to see the average prices for a gallon of regular gas in and around Washington, D.C. Delaware Gas prices in Delaware dropped on Thanksgiving, falling to $2.984 per gallon.Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Start by reviewing the franchise disclosure document (FDD) to understand initial costs, ongoing fees and typical revenue ranges.Aaron Harper, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
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In a 2016 paper, Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, estimated that full privatization of Fannie and Freddie would cost the typical American taking out a new mortgage $1,200 annually.Samantha Delouya, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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And, as is commonplace under Tomlin, the Steelers’ defense is once again one of the best in the league.Ben Morse, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024
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And instead of being celebrated as a hero, Williams watched Jordan Love rush the field in celebration of a win that is commonplace for Packers quarterbacks these days.Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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On their own, the details are interesting but unremarkable.David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2024
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Why should only suffering be a vale of soul-making, why shouldn’t the soul be made of this moment, too, this unremarkable moment, remember this.Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near unexceptional
Cite this Entry
“Unexceptional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unexceptional. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.
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