par excellence

adjective

par ex·​cel·​lence ˈpär-ˌek-sə-ˈläns How to pronounce par excellence (audio) ˈpär-ˌek-sə-ˈläⁿs How to pronounce par excellence (audio)
Synonyms of par excellencenext
: being the best of a kind : preeminent
a chef par excellence

Synonyms of par excellence

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Examples of par excellence in a Sentence

sophisticated cuisine that is obviously the work of a chef par 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.
There’s an ongoing fight to become the next platform par excellence. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025 This is the carminative plant par excellence, ideal for persistent bloating and feelings of heaviness. — Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 June 2026 Trump likes to see himself as peace-deal-maker not just par excellence but on a global roll, and the more Zelenskyy can play into that, the better for Ukraine. — Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 28 Oct. 2025 The casual visit is scruffy hospitality par excellence. — Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for par excellence

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, by excellence

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of par excellence was in 1695

Rhymes for par excellence

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Browse Nearby Words

pareve
par excellence
par exemple
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Cite this Entry

“Par excellence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/par%20excellence. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

par excellence

adverb or adjective
par ex·​cel·​lence ˌpär-ˌek-sə-ˈläns How to pronounce par excellence (audio)
: in the highest degree : above all others
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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