Synonym Chooser

How does the verb excel contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of excel are exceed, outdo, outstrip, surpass, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

Where would exceed be a reasonable alternative to excel?

The words exceed and excel are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

When is outdo a more appropriate choice than excel?

Although the words outdo and excel have much in common, outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

When can outstrip be used instead of excel?

The words outstrip and excel can be used in similar contexts, but outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

In what contexts can surpass take the place of excel?

The meanings of surpass and excel largely overlap; however, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When is it sensible to use transcend instead of excel?

In some situations, the words transcend and excel are roughly equivalent. However, transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of excel Poyser? Poyser, the FCS freshman All-American at Jacksonville State last season, excelled in the spring and likely will start. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025 The automotive industry has long excelled at managing complex, global supply chains thanks to digital tools and lean manufacturing principles that reduce waste and improve agility. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 29 July 2025 Per our testers, this shoe excels in both comfort and style. Izzy Baskette, People.com, 26 July 2025 The Best Convertible Back-To-School Laptop Deals Lenovo laptops typically excel in build quality and comfort, and this two-in-one is no exception. PC Magazine, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for excel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excel
Verb
  • That number far exceeds any other program nationwide.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • The asylum process in Mexico is supposed to take about three months, said Mejía from UNHCR, but the number of cases exceeds the capacity of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Aid to process them.
    Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Rocket posted second-quarter results that surpassed expectations on the top and bottom lines.
    Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The 515-mile flash surpassed the previous world record by 38 miles.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The performance, which bettered Wilson’s former U18 best of 44.20 from last year at the Holloway Pro Classic, moved the rising high school senior and Olympic gold medalist to No. 4 in the world at the distance.
    Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Research has shown that expressing gratitude provides many health benefits including reducing depression, improving self-esteem, bettering sleep, lowering blood pressure and an increased sense of happiness and well-being.
    Rafael James, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Only Ichiro himself has eclipsed that total since, with his MLB-record 262 in 2004.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 25 July 2025
  • The next one is a partial solar eclipse on Sept. 21, when up to 80% of the sun will be eclipsed by the moon as seen from the Pacific Ocean (including Fiji, Tahiti and New Zealand) and Antarctica.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Fogerty topped the Billboard 200 twice with CCR (Green River in 1969 and Cosmo’s Factory in 1970) and once as a solo artist (Centerfield, 1985).
    Paul Grein, Billboard, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The company’s stock nearly doubled, with the market cap topping $1.4 trillion in December.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Excel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excel. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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