adjective
Other Word Forms
- excellently adverb
- superexcellent adjective
- superexcellently adverb
- unexcellent adjective
- unexcellently adverb
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.
Canfell emphasises that although there are excellent examples of infectious disease control, such as HIV prevention and management, the approach to cervical cancer has been unique and a true global effort.
From BBC • May 1, 2026
Though its performance in the quarter was excellent and guidance was in line with high expectations, the company raised its 2026 capex outlook to as much as $145 billion.
From Barron's • May 1, 2026
Only 30% of U.S. winter wheat is in either good or excellent condition as of the start of this week, according to the most recent weekly Crop Progress report from the Department of Agriculture.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
"Big pharma's GLP-1 backbones are already excellent," Eastman said.
From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026
Ella eyed him, trying to figure out what was so special about him aside from his last name and excellent hair.
From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton
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.
