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

• wonderful
• superb
• great
• terrific
• 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

In the adjoining building, Salt & Char is a modern take on a classic martini-style steakhouse serving up all sorts of aged cuts (Delmonico, Strip, Porterhouse…) and with an excellent raw bar, too. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Mikey Madison is excellent as a whistleblower driven by love, not spite. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026

Since very few larger organisms (worms and clams excepted) can live in mud, mud makes an excellent medium for studying past climates by examining the stratified sediments at the bottom of water bodies. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 5 Oct. 2026

Thanks to its waves of immigration, there are lots of excellent Japanese, Italian and Middle Eastern restaurants, but there are also plenty of wonderful Brazilian places. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 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