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

The Broncos had a chance to tuck the game away early in the fourth quarter, before Bo Nix — otherwise excellent — threw a pick directly to Washington linebacker Bobby Wagner. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025

Linebacker Shaq Thompson played an excellent game in firing through the rushing lanes to limit that part of the Pittsburgh attack. —Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025

Saugers from 9 through 14 inches were all above historic averages, the report indicated, the result of excellent recruitment in 2017, 2019 and 2023. —Brad Dokken, Twin Cities, 30 Nov. 2025

There are plenty of top-quality features to enjoy with this camera, including excellent low-light performance when capturing images of the night sky and an OLED screen that provides super sharp images. —Kat Bayly, Space.com, 30 Nov. 2025

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