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 Rookie coach Mike LaFleur had an excellent game plan and QB Jacoby Brissett executed it well to lead Arizona, which was a 9 ½-point underdog. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026 These materials offer excellent shock absorption at a fraction of the thickness of previous materials. — New Atlas, 14 Sep. 2026 If anyone needs it, the incumbent president’s behavior provides excellent evidence against personalist rule in general and, in the case of AI, specifically. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026 That’s what Ewing has gone through, emerging from it with an excellent week. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excellent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for excellent

Adjective

That there’s a wonderful wedge salad to brighten up the plate is just icing on the cake.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
Ornamental grasses are a wonderful way to spruce up your lawn or add some softness and movement to your garden.

— Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 15 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

Jordan Lawler pinch-ran but was caught stealing on a terrific throw by Marlins catcher Joe Mack.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
Scott tears into the Bard’s lines — his Hamlet is terrific — and the spotlight is more on his sense of humor than his pain.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

Van Aert was in fantastic form at the recent Vuelta a España, helping teammate Matthew Brennan to five stage victories while taking two of his own.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
What the animation brings to life is the fluid movement of water in Julián fantastical visions.

— Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of fantastic

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 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of excellent

adjective

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