EXCELLENT Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

excellent

adjective

ˈek-s(ə-)lənt

Definition of excellent

as in wonderful

of the very best kind fast-food fans rate this chain's fries as excellent

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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 excellent Monroe may be the most fun course around to play, with an inviting layout, phenomenal greens (many elevated) and excellent course conditions. — Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2026 September is an excellent time to plant these because the weather is temperate and the shrubs have time to establish a strong root system before winter. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 6 Sep. 2026 The film’s excellent soundscape, powered by Ari Balouzian’s throbbing, queasy score, often features snatches of Hansen trying out different deliveries of deeply ick messages from the groomer-of-the-moment. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 The Trojans were largely excellent on both sides of the ball, with Maiava carving up the Bulldogs' secondary and the USC defense showing more capability after a vanilla opener. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excellent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for excellent

Adjective

Chief among Kvaratskhelia’s standout moments in a PSG shirt was his wonderful solo goal against Aston Villa in last year’s Champions League quarter-final.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Many wonderful and terrible things have happened in the 25 years since, some related to the 9/11 attacks, many not at all.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

Typically, Mora will pick up the ball in the left channel and run at a defender, before slowing to a jog, then use his superb balance to burst past his flat-footed opponent on either side, like in this example against Fiorentina last month.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Cam Schlitter gave up one run and two hits in eight superb innings, and the New York Yankees scored five two-out runs in the 10th in a series-clinching, 6-3 victory over the Angels on Wednesday night at Angel Stadium.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

Countries with far smaller digital ecosystems, like Cambodia and Laos, have even greater struggles to attract and retain AI talent.

— Brian Wong, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
The tropical cyclone reached Category 5, defined by sustained winds of 157 mph or greater, overnight Friday before losing some of its steam and settling into Category 4’s limits of sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph by Saturday.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

The front three of Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro already looks terrific, while Maxence Lacroix is an extremely solid defensive addition and Emi Martinez is an upgrade on Robert Sanchez in goal.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Buddy expands to 1,771 screens after a terrific opening last weekend.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

First and foremost, Daniel’s done a fantastic job here, and we’re thrilled with the last couple of seasons.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Louis Garrel has become a French icon of the screen at only 43, known for his brooding good looks but also his fantastic range in often-dangerous movies.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of fantastic

Adjective

The café is tucked away in the heart of the garden—a lovely pit stop.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026
This is an exciting step forward for Eisenberg the director, who had a breakthrough a couple of years ago with the lovely A Real Pain, which earned co-star Kieran Culkin an Academy Award.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of lovely

Adjective

Pull on your favorite sweater, grab your hot beverage of choice, and get ready to admire all the autumnal beauty at these US destinations that offer the perfect combo of fabulous foliage, outdoor adventure, fall festivals and events.

— Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Everything that makes Las Vegas fabulous — bright lights, over-the-top design, opulent food and drinks, and eccentric characters — can be found in spades at Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge.

— Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of fabulous

Browse Nearby Words

excellency

excellent

excellently

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“Excellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excellent. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of excellent

adjective

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