excellent

adjective

ex·​cel·​lent ˈek-s(ə-)lənt 

1

: very good of its kind : eminently good : first-class

2

archaic : superior

excellently adverb

Synonyms of excellent

• superb
• wonderful
• terrific
• great
• fantastic
• awesome
• lovely
• fabulous
• beautiful
• stellar
• marvelous
• prime
• fine

Examples of excellent in a Sentence

Her new movie has received excellent reviews.

He is an excellent role model for young men everywhere.

The car is in excellent condition.

Recent Examples on the Web

Another excellent route is the nearby Camí d’en Kane, one of the island’s most iconic trails, which crosses the island from east to west. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Ford had already directed the excellent A Single Man in 2009 and would go on to make Nocturnal Animals in 2016. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026

Landing Fernandes and Tonali was extremely impressive, while Van Hecke and Van de Ven can reignite an excellent centre-back partnership that can be traced back to the Netherlands’ youth teams. — Jay Harris, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Defense spending bills present excellent opportunities for members of Congress to direct jobs to their districts. — Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin excellent-, excellens, from present participle of excellere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing excellent

• have it on good/excellent authority
• in (good/excellent, etc.) condition

Kids Definition

excellent

adjective

ex·​cel·​lent ˈek-s(ə-)lənt 

: very good of its kind : first-class

excellently adverb