EXCELLENT Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

excellent

adjective

ˈek-s(ə-)lənt

Definition of excellent

as in superb

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

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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 Spain pushed their full-backs very high — Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella were both excellent in the 3-0 round-of-32 win over Austria, which was this side’s best performance. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 July 2026 Although the eclipse itself will be very shallow, the park is among the best suited for the Perseids later that night, when low light pollution and established observing fields provide excellent meteor-viewing conditions. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 19 July 2026 Barbados is, unsurprisingly, an excellent spot for scuba diving, and for those wishing to finally pick up their PADI license. — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026 The variable timing, temperatures, grind consistency and ratios for excellent pour-overs are tricky to master — which is arguably part of the obsession for me. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for excellent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for excellent

Adjective

There are some superb central defenders who have not made our list, which just highlights the level Vidic reached.

— Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Small is a superb route runner, while Everhart is the type of athlete who can turn a jet sweep or bubble screen into a chunk play.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 July 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

The largest, the Koda Suite (named for Leo’s dog), which was once occupied by the Daunt family, is a terrific family option, with two rooms, two bathrooms, tons of space, and its own private pool entrance.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
What’s far more eloquent is the episode with the witch Circe (a terrific Samantha Morton), whose habit of tricking and transforming men into animals is rendered in evocatively physical, body-horror-esque imagery.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 July 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

There are good footballers, there are great footballers and then there is Messi, who plays as if he has been sent here from another dimension, a superior life form inside the 5ft 7in frame of a normal guy from Rosario, Argentina.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Healthcare's greatest crisis isn't financial or technological.

— Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

One hundred would be awesome, though, so that my children can get all the publishing.

— Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
James was a Fanatics Fest participant and was reunited with the paper, which was at the Celebrity Mint table, completing an awesome full-circle moment.

— David Betancourt, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of awesome

Adjective

My editor Lori and I have been eyeing the sparse market for fabulous toilets since March, but found none so ornate as these Mexican-style pieces.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026
Of all the fabulous sideline styles, my favorite was, by far, an iconic matching moment between Martha Stewart and Victoria Beckham.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 21 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of excellent

adjective

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