adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of excellent
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin excellent-, stem of excellēns, present participle of excellere excel
Explanation
Something excellent is very good, great, or high quality: this is one of the best compliments around. Words like extraordinary and exceptional are similar in meaning to excellent. This is a strong word used mainly for things, people, and actions that are much better than average. A B+ on a test isn't bad, but an A is excellent. In basketball, making an all-star team is excellent. Being excellent is difficult and people tend to admire it. People use excellent in another, less specific way sometimes. If you want to say "Cool" or "Good" you might say "Excellent!"
Vocabulary lists containing excellent
Thumbs Up: Synonyms for "Good"
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Beowulf vocabulary
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Commonly Misspelled Words, List 5
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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.
There are also excellent reasons to put America’s Christian organizations at the forefront of such charitable work.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026
An excellent performance from Issy Wong sees her get a five-wicket haul - her first for England in ODI cricket - during the second One Day International in Derby.
From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026
Bill Plaschke did an excellent job paying tribute to Eric for all that he has done in telling stories that captured our interest for these many years.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 29, 2026
Contractor B was about an hour from my home and had an excellent reputation.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 28, 2026
“It’s excellent, Grace. Beautifully written, insightful. I’ll send you a few notes—little things. But for the most part I’d say it’s ready to submit.”
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
