par excellence

adjective

par ex·​cel·​lence ˈpär-ˌek-sə-ˈläns  ˈpär-ˌek-sə-ˈläⁿs 

: being the best of a kind : preeminent

a chef par excellence

Synonyms of par excellence

• excellent
• wonderful
• lovely
• awesome
• terrific
• great
• beautiful
• superb
• fabulous
• fantastic
• prime
• stellar
• fine
• marvelous
• quality
• hot
• classic

Examples of par excellence in a Sentence

sophisticated cuisine that is obviously the work of a chef par excellence

Recent Examples on the Web

With an inventive concept inspired by the Dutch series De Verraders and a superbly dressed host, The Traitors is a murder mystery game show par excellence. —Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026

Lucas Schaefer’s Kirkus Prize-winning behemoth of a debut is a tragicomic Texan picaresque par excellence. —Literary Hub, 2 Dec. 2025

Trump likes to see himself as peace-deal-maker not just par excellence but on a global roll, and the more Zelenskyy can play into that, the better for Ukraine. —Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 28 Oct. 2025

There’s an ongoing fight to become the next platform par excellence. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, by excellence

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

par excellence

adverb or adjective

par ex·​cel·​lence ˌpär-ˌek-sə-ˈläns 

: in the highest degree : above all others