1
a
: the state or an instance of surpassing usual, proper, or specified limits : superfluity
b
: the amount or degree by which one thing or quantity exceeds another
an excess of 10 bushels
2
: undue or immoderate indulgence : intemperance
also
: an act or instance of intemperance
prevent excesses and abuses by newly created local powers —
Albert Shanker
Albert Shanker
: more than the usual, proper, or specified amount
excessed; excessing; excesses
: to eliminate the position of
excessed several teachers because of budget cutbacks
Examples of excess in a Sentence
Noun
They were equipped with an excess of provisions.
The tests found an excess of sodium in his blood.
He lived a life of excess.
The movie embraces all the worst excesses of popular American culture.
the violent excesses of the military regime
He apologized for his past excesses.
Adjective
Basketball provided an outlet for their excess energy.
She is trying to eliminate excess fat and calories from her diet.
Recent Examples on the Web
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2025
Once seen as an impressive point of national pride, the excess of these designs and the earlier Rococo style became a symbol of a corrupt ruling class that served solely its own interests.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2025
Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 18 Aug. 2025
Surgical options may be considered if conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, including the repair of affected structures or the drainage of excess fluid.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2025
Amy Dickinson, Anchorage Daily News, 17 July 2023
Over the past few months, my wife has begun drinking to excess every evening.
—Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 17 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for excess
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Noun
Ultimately, the Rolls-Royce Corniche had become a global symbol of sumptuous indulgence and unbridled excess; the automotive equivalent of lighting a Cuban cigar with a hundred-dollar bill.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2025
Once seen as an impressive point of national pride, the excess of these designs and the earlier Rococo style became a symbol of a corrupt ruling class that served solely its own interests.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
These excess nutrients, plus stagnant water and warm temperatures all seem to increase the frequency of toxic algal blooms, according to Lake Monroe’s watershed management plan.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 18 Aug. 2025
Surgical options may be considered if conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, including the repair of affected structures or the drainage of excess fluid.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
Over the past few months my wife has begun drinking to excess every evening.
—Amy Dickinson, Anchorage Daily News, 17 July 2023
Over the past few months, my wife has begun drinking to excess every evening.
—Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 17 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for excess
Cite this Entry
“Excess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excess. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
excess
2 of 2 adjective
: more than what is usual, acceptable, or needed
excess baggage
an outlet for their excess energy
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