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

Dartmouth would only score one goal for the remainder of the game, but was able to keep the Bishops at bay with stout defense and excellent goaltending from junior Letty Nelson. —Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026

The service Service is excellent but the staff are a bit more relaxed than other five stars of this caliber, preferring friendliness to formality. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026

Lew had a discount sticker on his draft tag, and the Bengals found excellent value in the fourth round. —Dane Brugler, New York Times, 26 May 2026

Sugano’s excellent start on Friday night in Arizona (6 2/3 innings and two runs allowed) was an anomaly. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 26 May 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