par excellence

adjective

par ex·​cel·​lence ˈpär-ˌek-sə-ˈläns  ˈpär-ˌek-sə-ˈläⁿs 

: being the best of a kind : preeminent

a chef par excellence

Synonyms of par excellence

• excellent
• wonderful
• lovely
• awesome
• terrific
• great
• beautiful
• superb
• fabulous
• fantastic
• prime
• stellar
• fine
• marvelous
• quality
• hot
• classic

Examples of par excellence in a Sentence

sophisticated cuisine that is obviously the work of a chef par excellence

Recent Examples on the Web

He’s been a party starter par excellence, a thirsty romantic who woos with artfully smeared syllables and, now, also a sophisticated advocate. —New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026

The perception of Disney as an American institution par excellence became, in this period, a matter of legal and financial fact. —Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026

During the run-up to the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize announcement, Trump portrayed himself as a diplomat par excellence, the man who had ended six—no, seven—no, eight wars. —David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026

With an inventive concept inspired by the Dutch series De Verraders and a superbly dressed host, The Traitors is a murder mystery game show par excellence. —Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, by excellence

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for par excellence

• hyperintense
• antisense
• commonsense
• effulgence
• frankincense
• ninepence
• nondefense
• recommence
• recompence
• recompense
• cense
• dense

Kids Definition

par excellence

adverb or adjective

par ex·​cel·​lence ˌpär-ˌek-sə-ˈläns 

: in the highest degree : above all others