exceptionalism

noun

ex·​cep·​tion·​al·​ism ik-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce exceptionalism (audio)
: the condition of being different from the norm
also : a theory expounding the exceptionalism especially of a nation or region
exceptionalist adjective

Examples of exceptionalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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First, Syria is only a small thread in a larger web of permanent policies predicated on U.S. primacy and exceptionalism. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 Trump’s rhetoric also has the benefit of giving fodder to his supporters, who have embraced his view of American exceptionalism and dominance abroad and relish seeing liberals overreact to what the president-elect is saying. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025 That would violate the vague but powerful principle that American exceptionalism should not be questioned — that the answer to every national problem of any import is blunt-force innovation. Ron Lieber, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024 Few Americans today are comfortable with the notion of American exceptionalism. Ivan Krastev, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for exceptionalism 

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exceptionalism was in 1929

Dictionary Entries Near exceptionalism

Cite this Entry

“Exceptionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exceptionalism. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

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