Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

excel

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of excel

to be greater, better, or stronger than
  • the special effects in this new sci-fi extravaganza excel any that weʼve seen previously
Synonyms of excel

beat, better, eclipse, exceed, outclass, outdistance, outdo, outgun, outmatch, outshine, outstrip, overtop, surpass, top, tower (over), transcend
Words Related to excel

one-up, outpace, outrace, outrun, overpass

best, clobber, conquer, crush, defeat, drub, lick, master, outcompete, outperform, overcome, overmatch, prevail (over), rout, shame, skunk, subdue, surmount, thrash, trim, triumph (over), trounce, wallop, whip, win (against), worst

outbalance, outweigh, overbear, overshadow, trump
Phrases Synonymous with excel

go one better, run circles around (or run rings around)
Near Antonyms of excel

lose (to)

Synonym Discussion of excel

exceed, surpass, transcend, excel, outdo, outstrip mean to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree. exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.
    • exceed the speed limit
surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.
    • the book surpassed our expectations
transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.
    • transcended the values of their culture
excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.
    • excels in mathematics
outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.
    • outdid herself this time
outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.
    • outstripped other firms in sales

Learn More about excel

  1. See words that rhyme with excel Dictionary: Definition of excel Spanish Central: Translation of excel Nglish: Translation of excel for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of excel for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up excel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

wherewithal

means, resources, or money

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. cache BuzzFeed reports on Trump-Cohen documents.

  2. intransigence, intransigent Trump cancels Davos trip.

  3. white supremacist Steve King discusses views.

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games