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 frustration comes not from losing to an excellent Argentina side, but from seeing a team performing incredibly well – as Scotland did to carve out that 21-0 lead – only to nosedive beyond recognition.

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"Given its excellent safety profile and low cost, arginine could be rapidly translated to clinical trials for Alzheimer's and potentially other related disorders."

Read more on Science Daily

"We urge the government and policymakers to invest in delivering excellent healthcare for trans young people and to make sure the voices of trans young people and their families are at its core."

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Even with a pre-existing condition, I was able to purchase excellent private insurance for about $1,840 a year, and I have had good experiences with the private healthcare system.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Some excellent books that ratify DeVoto’s enthusiasm have recently appeared, heralding America’s semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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