excellent

[ek-suh-luhnt]

adjective

1. possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.

   Synonyms: admirable, prime, first-rate, fine, choice, estimable, worthy
   Antonyms: inferior

2. Archaic.,  extraordinary; superior.

excellent

/ ˈɛksələnt /

adjective

1. exceptionally good; extremely meritorious; superior

Other Word Forms

• excellently adverb
• superexcellent adjective
• superexcellently adverb
• unexcellent adjective
• unexcellently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of excellent¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin excellent-, stem of excellēns, present participle of excellere excel

Example Sentences

The Met chorus, directed by Tilman Michael, was excellent in its various incarnations.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

He later added: “At least for about 39 seconds, we had excellent chemistry.”

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“He’s done an excellent job of putting us in good positions,” coach Sean McVay said, adding, “He’s playing the way that we believe he’s capable of.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"They're polite, but they want to catch the traitors, and the traitors want to remain undetected, and both parties are excellent at what they do."

Read more on BBC

Scottish Labour justice spokeswoman Pauline McNeill described the introduction of domestic abuse reviews as an "excellent" move that would aid efforts to stop violence against women and girls.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• accomplished 
• admirable 
• attractive 
• distinguished 
• exceptional 
• exemplary 
• exquisite 
• fine 
• finest 
• first-rate 
• good 
• great 
• magnificent 
• outstanding 
• skillful 
• sterling 
• superb 
• superlative