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
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 younger Levi had excelled in the classroom and on the tennis team at Loyola High School.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 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
The Whites notably excelled at reaching racially and ethnically diverse churchgoers; in 1999 its 5,000 congregants were almost equally composed of non-Hispanic Caucasians, Latinos, and African Americans.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
Bogaerts has with the Padres generally excelled in the season’s latter months and been dreadful in the early months.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Van Lith has also excelled on the international stage in 3-on-3 basketball, helping Team USA to a gold medal at the 2023 3-on-3 World Cup and a bronze medal as a member of the 2024 3-on-3 Olympic team.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 6 May 2026
Most leaders excelled at focusing on goals.
—David Rock, Fortune, 6 May 2026
In particular, the Golden Knights excelled at denying Utah on the power play.
—ABC News, 2 May 2026
Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
The younger Levi had excelled in the classroom and on the tennis team at Loyola High School.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 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
The Whites notably excelled at reaching racially and ethnically diverse churchgoers; in 1999 its 5,000 congregants were almost equally composed of non-Hispanic Caucasians, Latinos, and African Americans.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
Bogaerts has with the Padres generally excelled in the season’s latter months and been dreadful in the early months.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Van Lith has also excelled on the international stage in 3-on-3 basketball, helping Team USA to a gold medal at the 2023 3-on-3 World Cup and a bronze medal as a member of the 2024 3-on-3 Olympic team.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 6 May 2026
Most leaders excelled at focusing on goals.
—David Rock, Fortune, 6 May 2026
In particular, the Golden Knights excelled at denying Utah on the power play.
—ABC News, 2 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excelled
Verb
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The film surpassed $400 million at the global box office, and a sequel that is based on the author’s follow-up book The Housemaid’s Secret is set for release in 2027.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
7 May 2026
-
Addie Hajj surpassed 100 career goals, helping to fuel North Reading during a 17-8 Cape Ann League victory over Essex Tech.—
Tyler McManus,
Boston Herald,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Hagan’s memo identified money that exceeded the tax’s projections, reallocated sports complex dollars or unallocated tax funds as potentially viable for the Rays.—
Nicolas Villamil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026
-
The discoveries have exceeded expectations, and archaeologists believe additional caves will be uncovered.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
3 May 2026
Verb
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At its zenith, sky-gazers can expect to see as many as 50 meteors an hour under optimal conditions, although NASA warns that fainter meteors may be eclipsed by bright moonlight this year.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
3 May 2026
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Jackson LaCombe’s assist on Gauthier’s goal moved him back into a tie for the NHL’s playoff points lead with nine, though he was soon eclipsed when Leon Draisaitl’s assist on a late academic goal pushed the German star’s total to 10.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
Verb
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This one is infused with marrow and topped with radish, plus more onion, cilantro and salsa on those beautiful blue corn tortillas.—
Louisa Kung Liu Chu,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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International benchmark Brent Crude topped $112 a barrel Tuesday with no clear indication of an imminent resolution to the war that has severely constrained shipping traffic through the strait.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Excelled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excelled. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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