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

Without it, even excellent recommendations feel risky. —Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

The space shuttle, indeed the entire space program, represented all that was excellent in American technology and in America itself. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026

The author’s work makes an excellent case that literature can explore virtue—even if his latest novel reveals its pitfalls. —Julius Taranto, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026

Universal/Focus While WBD was always expected to do stellar numbers today, Uni’s 24 nominations, only three behind WBD, is an excellent result and surely helps make up for the disappointing Wicked tally. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Jan. 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