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

Strider was excellent in his second rehab outing, striking out eight Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp hitters over 4-1/3 innings. —Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 22 Apr. 2026

For something a bit more modest, this top is an excellent choice. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026

With Wemby on the bench, Luke Kornet came in, played his role on offense and supplied excellent rim protection against a team that lives in the paint. —Christian Clark, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026

Guests can bike to the shore, head into Tavira for excellent seafood, or take a solar boat ride to one of the barrier islands. —Christine Chitnis, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 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