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

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

The service South Africa’s hospitality culture, to many, is par excellence, and Echo’s nearly all-South African front-of-house team feels like a natural extension of this (just in briskier climes). —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026

Taxidermy would become the visual medium par excellence illustrating European expansion—one far more accessible to a broader crowd than anything in books, private collections, or even early zoos. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 18 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