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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.

Almost a quarter of them said they were spending more than they could afford on such services, with 41% of Gen Z-ers saying they were exceeding their limits on streaming.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

In 2025 alone, 36 whales entered the area, with groups sometimes exceeding 10 individuals.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Demand for the new model is exceeding global production capacities and output is running at full capacity in three shifts at its Rastatt plant in Germany.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Applied Digital’s fiscal third-quarter adjusted earnings were 9 cents per share, exceeding expectations.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

“Give me the Herr’s luggage,” said the driver; and with exceeding alacrity my bags were handed out and put in the calèche.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker