as in surpassed
to be greater, better, or stronger than
the special effects in this new sci-fi extravaganza excel any that we've seen previously
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Recent Examples of excelled
Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 May 2026
This show always excelled by presenting a heightened depiction of what already existed.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 20 May 2026
The student-run Mechatronics and Robotics Society, or MARS, had excelled in the preliminary rounds at the Florida Space Institute’s Exolith Lab near the University of Central Florida.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 May 2026
For three consecutive postseasons, Gilgeous-Alexander has excelled as a three-level scorer at the rim, from the midrange and at the free-throw line.
—Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
His reading and writing skills also excelled.
—Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
Boudreaux excelled in athletics from an early age, particularly basketball.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May 2026
The general manager excelled in the draft early in his Broncos tenure, landing future All-Pros Pat Surtain II and Quinn Meinerz, plus seventh-rounder Jonathon Cooper in 2021.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
The 31-year-old White, who excelled in nearly every area but shooting this season, is signed for another three years, including a player option for 2028-29.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 May 2026
This show always excelled by presenting a heightened depiction of what already existed.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 20 May 2026
The student-run Mechatronics and Robotics Society, or MARS, had excelled in the preliminary rounds at the Florida Space Institute’s Exolith Lab near the University of Central Florida.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 May 2026
For three consecutive postseasons, Gilgeous-Alexander has excelled as a three-level scorer at the rim, from the midrange and at the free-throw line.
—Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
His reading and writing skills also excelled.
—Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
Boudreaux excelled in athletics from an early age, particularly basketball.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May 2026
The general manager excelled in the draft early in his Broncos tenure, landing future All-Pros Pat Surtain II and Quinn Meinerz, plus seventh-rounder Jonathon Cooper in 2021.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
The 31-year-old White, who excelled in nearly every area but shooting this season, is signed for another three years, including a player option for 2028-29.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excelled
Verb
-
The national debt has surpassed the GDP, Social Security and Medicare face looming financial crises, inflation is rising, families are struggling — and yet Congress does nothing.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
-
Austin skipped over San Jose for the 12th most populous spot, as Texas' capital city surpassed 1 million residents for the first time.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Even with pumps capable of moving 40,000 gallons per minute, the storm exceeded the system’s legal capacity.—
Greg Bennett,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
-
But the dynamics shifted with the May 6 mayoral debate, as Pratt exceeded expectations given his lack of political experience, as his most prominent role has been as a love-to-hate reality star on The Hills and social media influencer.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Technology needs had also long been eclipsed; Kehillat Israel has been live-streaming its services since the pandemic.—
Rachel Kraus,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2026
-
Along came Shein, the Chinese retailer that’s eclipsed the likes of Zara and H&M to become the dominant global purveyor of fast fasion.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Earnings of 38 cents per share, excluding items, topped the FactSet consensus estimate of 31 cents per share.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
-
Sasha Miller contributed five goals, two assists and four draw controls as Beverly topped Andover, 15-12.—
Tyler McManus,
Boston Herald,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Excelled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excelled. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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