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.
Go for its sandstone cliffs and excellent rafting on the namesake river. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026 Should the seafood-averse find their way through the door, look to an excellent roast chicken in ham jus, accompanied by a welcome splotch of mustard. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Center fielder Daulton Varsho raced to make an excellent catch before running into the wall. — ABC News, 8 July 2026 Algeria hit back with some assistance from the corner flag and excellent dribbling by Rafik Belghali. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 7 July 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 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on excellent

Nglish: Translation of excellent for Spanish Speakers

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