excellent

adjective

ex·​cel·​lent ˈek-s(ə-)lənt How to pronounce excellent (audio)
Synonyms of excellent
1
: very good of its kind : eminently good : first-class
2
archaic : superior
excellently adverb

Synonyms of excellent

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Examples of excellent in a Sentence

Her new movie has received excellent reviews. He is an excellent role model for young men everywhere. The car is in excellent condition.
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.
His 28-yard touchdown reception from Sam Darnold late in the second quarter beat Delane, who had excellent position. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026 The biggest key for the Brewers in this game is to see if their bullpen can keep their excellent pitching alive. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 That includes cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), which comes with a variety of excellent travel insurance benefits and the American Express® Gold Card, which is a rewarding option for dining and grocery purchases. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026 Its defense has been excellent, while its new quarterback-offensive coordinator combo has not. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excellent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin excellent-, excellens, from present participle of excellere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Phrases Containing excellent

Browse Nearby Words

excellency
excellent
excellently
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

excellent

adjective
ex·​cel·​lent ˈek-s(ə-)lənt How to pronounce excellent (audio)
: very good of its kind : first-class
excellently adverb
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