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Synonyms

exceeding

American  
[ik-see-ding] / ɪkˈsi dɪŋ /

adjective

  1. extraordinary; exceptional.


adverb

  1. Archaic. exceedingly.

exceeding British  
/ ɪkˈsiːdɪŋ /

adjective

  1. very great; exceptional or excessive

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adverb

  1. an archaic word for exceedingly

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of exceeding

First recorded in 1485–95; exceed + -ing 2

Explanation

The adjective exceeding comes from the verb to exceed, which means "go beyond." The massage was given with exceeding care — it was worth every cent. A parent feels exceeding pride at the graduation of a kid. You might also say that they feel "extra," if that helps to clue you into the meaning of exceeding, but it does have a slightly different meaning. If you were to have "extra" pride, then you'd have more than you needed. You might give the "extra" to someone else. To feel exceeding pride, though, means to have more than you might have expected. It's another way of saying something is exceptional in whatever way you mean.

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Vocabulary lists containing exceeding

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Exceeding or disappointing expectations on those AI catalysts will do more for the stock in 2026 than even EV sales.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

Exceeding the plan’s limit, which doesn’t distinguish between male and female grizzlies, could result in stricter conservation measures to protect grizzlies.

From Washington Times • May 26, 2023

Exceeding glad shall he be of thy salvation.

From BBC • May 5, 2023

Exceeding the Paris threshold could lead to a 16.4-foot increase in sea levels, rendering the planet virtually unrecognizable.

From Washington Post • Aug. 14, 2022

Exceeding glory there to gain     Through mortal toil and tears.

From Elias An Epic of the Ages by Whitney, Orson F.