excess

1 of 3

noun

ex·​cess ik-ˈses How to pronounce excess (audio) ˈek-ˌses How to pronounce excess (audio)
Synonyms of excess
1
a
: the state or an instance of surpassing usual, proper, or specified limits : superfluity
b
: the amount or degree by which one thing or quantity exceeds another
an excess of 10 bushels
2
: undue or immoderate indulgence : intemperance
also : an act or instance of intemperance
… prevent excesses and abuses by newly created local powers. —Albert Shanker
see also:
in excess of

excess

2 of 3

adjective

: more than the usual, proper, or specified amount

excess

3 of 3

verb

excessed; excessing; excesses

transitive verb

: to eliminate the position of
excessed several teachers because of budget cutbacks

Synonyms of excess

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Noun

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of excess in a Sentence

Noun They were equipped with an excess of provisions. The tests found an excess of sodium in his blood. He lived a life of excess. The movie embraces all the worst excesses of popular American culture. the violent excesses of the military regime He apologized for his past excesses. Adjective Basketball provided an outlet for their excess energy. She is trying to eliminate excess fat and calories from her diet.
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.
Noun
In developing a multitool to slide neatly into its latest generation of EDC offerings, The James Brand took time to reflect upon which tools were absolutely necessary for its customers and which ones could be eliminated to cut bulk and excess. — New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026 If your body has an excess of water-soluble vitamins, the kidneys will not reabsorb them. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
That’s because excess inflammation can impact your central nervous system, which can disturb sleep. — Alice Oglethorpe, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026 Use a slow-release fertilizer to limit excess growth and provide nutrients over the course of several weeks. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excess

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French exces, from Late Latin excessus, from Latin, departure, projection, from excedere to exceed

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1971, in the meaning defined above

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

Phrases Containing excess

Rhymes for excess

See All Rhymes for excess

Browse Nearby Words

excerption
excess
excess condemnation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excess. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

excess

1 of 2 noun
ex·​cess ik-ˈses How to pronounce excess (audio) ˈek-ˌses How to pronounce excess (audio)
1
: a state of being more than enough
2
a
: an amount beyond what is usual, needed, or asked
b
: the amount by which one thing or quantity exceeds another

excess

2 of 2 adjective
: more than what is usual, acceptable, or needed
excess baggage
an outlet for their excess energy

Legal Definition

excess

adjective
ex·​cess
: more than a usual or specified amount
specifically : additional to an amount specified under another insurance policy
excess coverage
excess insurance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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