plural excesses
1
: an amount that is more than the usual or necessary amount
They were equipped with an excess of provisions.
The tests found an excess of sodium in his blood.
an excess of enthusiasm/zeal
There was an excess of 10 bushels (over what was needed to fill the bin).
Eating anything in excess [=in overly large amounts] can be bad for you.
2
a
: behavior that is considered wrong because it goes beyond what is usual, normal, or proper
He lived a life of excess.
b
: actions or ways of behaving that go beyond what is usual or proper
The movie embraces all the worst excesses of popular American culture.
the violent excesses of the military regime
He apologized for his past excesses.
always used before a noun
: more than is usual, allowed, or needed
excess baggage
Basketball provided an outlet for their excess energy.
She is trying to eliminate excess fat and calories from her diet.
Cite this Entry
“Excess.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/excess. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.
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