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
Nick Hendry, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2025
His platform of law and order, free markets, tighter control of immigration, and pushing back on the left’s social excesses was the exact medicine that Canada needed.
—The Editors, National Review, 29 Apr. 2025
Emily Orofino, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2025
Listen to this article Federal regulators recently sued the operators of an East Chicago oil re-refinery plant for violating its wastewater permits by discharging excess pollutants — including cyanide, mercury, oil and grease — from its facility toward the Grand Calumet River.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 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
There are two ways to go with your shades: larger-than-life, rock star excess—in which case L.A.-based Jacques Marie Mage are your choice, my favourites are the Admiral, far right ($1,075)—or subtle, sleek frames which perform their function quietly—for these, N.Y.C.’s Moscot are the answer.
—Nick Hendry, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2025
His platform of law and order, free markets, tighter control of immigration, and pushing back on the left’s social excesses was the exact medicine that Canada needed.
—The Editors, National Review, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
These ingredients help block the production of excess melanin, lightening sun spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma for a more even complexion.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2025
Listen to this article Federal regulators recently sued the operators of an East Chicago oil re-refinery plant for violating its wastewater permits by discharging excess pollutants — including cyanide, mercury, oil and grease — from its facility toward the Grand Calumet River.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 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 4 May. 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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