excel
verb
\
Definition of excel
: to be superior to : surpass in accomplishment or achievement
: to be distinguishable by superiority : surpass others excel in sports excelled at lipreading
Keep scrolling for more
Synonyms for excel
Synonyms
beat, better, eclipse, exceed, outclass, outdistance, outdo, outshine, outstrip, overtop, surpass, top, tower (over), transcend
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of excel in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While the senior team captain excelled in competitions, Mountcastle’s teaching and leadership qualities set him apart from other lifters. — Steve Evans, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Palm Beach lifter of the year: Dillon Mountcastle, Park Vista senior," 20 June 2018 But Rudd really digs into the heart of Berg, an American Jewish man who has trouble fitting in, even while excelling at the national pastime. — Noel Murray, latimes.com, "New video: 'Unsane' may be shot on an iPhone, but it's a slick paranoid thriller," 16 June 2018 Daniela Rus , director of MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, noted that artificial intelligence systems excel at deep legal research once done by skilled attorneys. — Hiawatha Bray, BostonGlobe.com, "Will a robot take my job? The brains at an AI conference say humans will have plenty of work options," 4 June 2018 Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said that he's never seen a player excel in their 15th season the way James has this year. — William Guillory, NOLA.com, "Can the Pelicans contain LeBron James as he continues his record-breaking pace?," 30 Mar. 2018 Calipari can take solace that UK has excelled in several tournament trips west in the past. — Jon Hale, The Courier-Journal, "Calipari isn't thrilled about playing in Boise, but UK teams have won NCAA games in west," 13 Mar. 2018 The award is given annually to a college football coach whose team has excelled on the field, in the classroom and in the community. — Christy Cabrera Chirinos, Sun-Sentinel.com, "UM's Mark Richt earns spot on Dodd Trophy watch list for second straight year," 11 July 2018 These days, the 76ers rookie is focusing on excelling on the perimeter – not close to the basket. — Keith Pompey, Philly.com, "Patience remains key in Sixers' guard Zhaire Smith's growth," 7 July 2018 Like most skiers, she is expected to excel on the climb but her descending skills are unknown. — Anchorage Daily News, "Who will win Wednesday’s Mount Marathon races? Take your pick," 4 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'excel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for excel
excel
verb
English Language Learners Definition of excel
: to be better than others
: to be or do better than (others)
See the full definition for excel in the English Language Learners Dictionary
excel
verb
\
Kids Definition of excel
: to do better than others : surpass She excelled at running.
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on excel
What made you want to look up excel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz
-
- Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz
A mythological/etymological mashup!
Take the quiz -
Great Scrabble Words—A Quiz
Words to improve your Scrabble game
Take the quiz -
Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
Take the quiz -
SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share excel
Resources for excel