excellence

noun

ex·​cel·​lence ˈek-s(ə-)lən(t)s How to pronounce excellence (audio)
Synonyms of excellence
1
: the quality of being excellent
an award for academic excellence
setting a high standard of excellence
see also black excellence
2
plural excellences : an excellent or valuable quality : virtue
… I am as admiring as almost everyone else of the film's many excellences …—Daniel Mendelsohn
3
or Excellence : excellency sense 2
Lord Regent, I do greet your Excellence …—William Shakespeare

Synonyms of excellence

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Examples of excellence in a Sentence

The school is known for the excellence of its teachers. an award for academic excellence setting a high standard of excellence
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.
But as critical as donor funding is, those who are providing the funds believe their wallets are not the path for sustainable BYU excellence. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 In 2023, she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame via its award for musical excellence. — Paul Grein, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026 The annual awards recognize podcasts and creators shaping the future of audio through innovation, impact and excellence in storytelling. — Ajc Communications, AJC.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Former President Barack Obama has offered a similar perspective, arguing that excellence often requires periods of intense focus at the expense of other priorities. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excellence

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of excellence was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing excellence

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Cite this Entry

“Excellence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excellence. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

excellence

noun
ex·​cel·​lence ˈek-s(ə-)lən(t)s How to pronounce excellence (audio)
1
: high quality
2
: an excellent quality : virtue
3
: excellency sense 2
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