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

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

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 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of excellent

adjective

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