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

But he also excelled in the more subtle, elusive realm of morale.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Sweet, juicy, and with just a hint of balancing tartness, this Cider simply excels when enjoyed alongside such an aromatic, allium-forward appetizer,” says TJ’s.

Read more on Salon

Nassar excelled in the ring and changed attitudes, becoming a multiple Berlin champion and national title-holder, all while staying true to her beliefs.

Read more on BBC

That he has excelled at Betis, with 15 goals and seven assists in 38 games across all competitions, makes his form at Old Trafford all the more mystifying.

Read more on BBC

The innocent-faced O’Connor excels at crooks and suckers and fittingly, his Jud describes himself as “young, dumb and full of Christ.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• come through 
• outdo 
• shine 
• transcend