exponential

adjective

ex·​po·​nen·​tial ˌek-spə-ˈnen(t)-shəl How to pronounce exponential (audio)
1
: of or relating to an exponent
2
: involving a variable in an exponent
10x is an exponential expression
3
: expressible or approximately expressible by an exponential function
especially : characterized by or being an extremely rapid increase (as in size or extent)
an exponential growth rate
exponentially
ˌek-spə-ˈnen(t)-sh(ə-)lē How to pronounce exponential (audio)
adverb

Examples of exponential in a Sentence

The business has experienced several years of exponential growth. Prices have increased at an exponential rate. 103 is an exponential expression.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That will likely kick off an exponential upward trend for Starship launches. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Under automated generation, this debt can experience exponential growth as each new AI prompt builds upon the errors of previous iterations. — Ihor Hamal, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 To the company’s credit, in January 2026, the line thrusts upward into an exponential curve. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026 The exponential rate of computations achieved through quantum computers are expected to solve challenges of drug discovery, climate change, and energy security for humanity. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exponential

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exponential was in 1701

Phrases Containing exponential

Rhymes for exponential

See All Rhymes for exponential

Browse Nearby Words

exponent
exponential
exponential curve
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exponential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exponential. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exponential

adjective
ex·​po·​nen·​tial ˌek-spə-ˈnen-chəl How to pronounce exponential (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving an exponent
xⁿ is an exponential expression
exponentially
-ˈnench-(ə-)lē How to pronounce exponential (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

exponential

adjective
ex·​po·​nen·​tial ˌek-spə-ˈnen-chəl How to pronounce exponential (audio)
: expressible or approximately expressible by an exponential function
an exponential growth rate
exponentially
-ˈnench-(ə-)lē How to pronounce exponential (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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