excel

American  

[ik-sel] / ɪkˈsɛl /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

• unexcelled adjective
• unexcelling adjective

Etymology

Origin of excel

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”)

Example Sentences

While teams excel in most innovation, lone inventors can have an advantage in utility patents for inventions difficult to separate into components.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Furthermore, managers who are managing many different funds may be stretched too thin to excel in any one of his funds.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Those are all areas where we really excel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

It would have been nice if the first move was obtaining players who excel at defense.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2026

It gave me, if not the chance to excel, at least the opportunity to compete.

From "Ugly" by Robert Hoge

Related Words

• come through
• outdo
• shine
• transcend