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

It is told that, following decapitation, Medusa’s head fell into the sea, turning everything in this liquid realm—figure of ceaseless flux and circulation par excellence—to stone. — Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026

Lurking just beneath the Auto-Tune is a lyricist par excellence who’s tremendously skilled at creating character studies in miniature. — Drew Millard, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026

This is the carminative plant par excellence, ideal for persistent bloating and feelings of heaviness. — Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 June 2026

The casual visit is scruffy hospitality par excellence. — Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, by excellence

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for par excellence

• hyperintense
• antisense
• commonsense
• effulgence
• frankincense
• ninepence
• nondefense
• recommence
• recompence
• recompense
• cense
• dense

Kids Definition

par excellence

adverb or adjective

par ex·​cel·​lence ˌpär-ˌek-sə-ˈläns 

: in the highest degree : above all others