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.
All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with excellent views. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026 Gozney Dome Gozney’s top-of-the-line oven is an excellent performer. — Olivia Tarantino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 Their records as Trio are legend, the kind of work that proves that, sometimes, three really excellent things can combine to make something even more exceptional. — Marah Eakin, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 Fjord, Cristian Mungiu’s legal thriller starring podcast favorite Renate Reinsve and Sebastian Stan; Hope, an action film starring Squid Game breakout Hoyeon; and Gentle Monster, led by an excellent Léa Seydoux. — Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 25 Aug. 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

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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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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