excellence

noun

ex·​cel·​lence ˈek-s(ə-)lən(t)s How to pronounce excellence (audio)
Synonyms of excellencenext
1
: the quality of being excellent
an award for academic excellence
setting a high standard of excellence
see also black excellence
2
plural excellences : an excellent or valuable quality : virtue
… I am as admiring as almost everyone else of the film's many excellencesDaniel Mendelsohn
3
or Excellence : excellency sense 2
Lord Regent, I do greet your ExcellenceWilliam Shakespeare

Examples of excellence in a Sentence

The school is known for the excellence of its teachers. an award for academic excellence setting a high standard of excellence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many coaches are alumni who have cultivated a culture of encouragement and excellence, supporting dancers in their careers, even through injuries, illness, or other challenges. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025 Founded in 2000, the Black Reel Awards, also known as The Bolts, is the longest-running awards organization dedicated to honoring excellence in film and television by African Americans and those of the African diaspora. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025 Now entering its twelfth year, the Voice Arts Awards celebrate creative excellence across more than 150 categories, recognizing achievements in animation, film, TV narration, audiobooks, audio description, video games, political advertising, podcasts, and spoken word. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 18 Dec. 2025 Mandatory seat reservations cost about $67 in first or second class, and roughly $672 for excellence-class bookings. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for excellence

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of excellence was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Excellence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excellence. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

excellence

noun
ex·​cel·​lence ˈek-s(ə-)lən(t)s How to pronounce excellence (audio)
1
: high quality
2
: an excellent quality : virtue
3

More from Merriam-Webster on excellence

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