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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 excelled
The two most worthy candidates are Lewis Hall, who excelled for much of the season at left-back, and Bruno Guimaraes, the inspirational captain.
—
Chris Waugh, New York Times, 29 May 2026
The research found that the region particularly excelled in comfort and relaxation due to its high concentration of four-star and above hotels.
—Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Félix and Elodie were athletes Félix was a track and field star who excelled in the high jump.
—Jacklyn Krol, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026
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
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
Chris Waugh, New York Times, 29 May 2026
The research found that the region particularly excelled in comfort and relaxation due to its high concentration of four-star and above hotels.
—Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Félix and Elodie were athletes Félix was a track and field star who excelled in the high jump.
—Jacklyn Krol, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excelled
Verb
-
The exact day the AI agents and bots surpassed human activity remains unclear.—
Samantha Elkins,
NBC news,
4 June 2026
-
Weeks later, the fundraiser had surpassed $200,000.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Rumfield has exceeded expectations.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
-
Ever since 2025, travel expenses have exceeded $200,000.—
Daniel Rivero,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
And markets appeared to agree, as optimism over tech prospects eclipsed geopolitical concerns.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
-
The town above it, Cap d'Artrutx, has a long promenade along a low cliff edge where thousands will gather to watch totality, followed by a deep, partially eclipsed sun sinking into the Mediterranean.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Wild king salmon topped with tomatoes, olives and capers was accessorized with a puff pastry in the shape of a cartoon fish.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
-
Hewlett Packard Enterprise — The information technology stock surged 25% after Hewlett Packard posted current-quarter earnings and revenue guidance that topped analysts’ estimates.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Excelled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excelled. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
