excel

[ik-sel]

verb (used without object)

excelled, excelling 

1. to surpass others or be superior in some respect or area; do extremely well.

   to excel in math.

verb (used with object)

excelled, excelling 

1. to surpass; be superior to; outdo.

   He excels all other poets of his day.

   Synonyms: beat, top, exceed, transcend, eclipse, outstrip

excel

/ ɪkˈsɛl /

verb

1. to be superior to (another or others); surpass

2. (intr; foll by in or at) to be outstandingly good or proficient

   he excels at tennis

Other Word Forms

• unexcelled adjective
• unexcelling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of excel¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French exceller, from Latin excellere, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + -cellere “to rise high, tower” (akin to celsus “high”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of excel¹

C15: from Latin excellere to rise up

Synonym Study

Excel, outdo, surpass imply being better than others or being superior in achievement. To excel is to be superior in some quality, attainment, or performance: to excel opponents at playing chess. To outdo is to make more successful effort than others: to outdo competitors in the high jump. To surpass is to go beyond others, especially in a contest as to quality or ability: to surpass one's classmates in knowledge of corporation law.

Example Sentences

Researchers say this approach could excel where traditional robots fail, like situations where central control is impractical or impossible due to distance, scale or communication barriers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Three referees were tasked with judging the robot fights, just like in wrestling, a sport at which Iran excels.

Read more on Barron's

So, how do they actually go about doing that, ahead of a Game 6 matchup with a pitcher in Kevin Gausman who excels at mixing his fastball and splitter?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

An exception was school work, in which she excelled.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"He was a kind, friendly young man, who excelled at all sports," she said.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• come through 
• outdo 
• shine 
• transcend