as in exceeding
to be greater, better, or stronger than
the special effects in this new sci-fi extravaganza excel any that we've seen previously
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Recent Examples of excelling
The truth is, managing a game and operating within a system of offense are two of the most important things about excelling at the most demanding position in professional sports.
—
Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High and Flanagan High are also known for excelling in competitions.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
While crass and lazy, the moniker did at least have a link to reality at a time when her male counterpart was excelling.
—Adam Leventhal, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Dee Farrand, 57, of Marana, Arizona, could once run five miles and was excelling at her job in sales.
—Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
John Brodie’s Success Beyond Football Brodie was a man of many hats, excelling as a golfer and television analyst.
—Trevor Woods, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Parker excelling in that area was a big positive.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2026
The national rankings, published in October, recognize K-8 schools excelling in academics and student achievement.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2026
And especially for a teenager such as Lehman, who continued to play hockey, and also made time for lacrosse and baseball while excelling in school.
—Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High and Flanagan High are also known for excelling in competitions.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
While crass and lazy, the moniker did at least have a link to reality at a time when her male counterpart was excelling.
—Adam Leventhal, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Dee Farrand, 57, of Marana, Arizona, could once run five miles and was excelling at her job in sales.
—Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
John Brodie’s Success Beyond Football Brodie was a man of many hats, excelling as a golfer and television analyst.
—Trevor Woods, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Parker excelling in that area was a big positive.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2026
The national rankings, published in October, recognize K-8 schools excelling in academics and student achievement.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2026
And especially for a teenager such as Lehman, who continued to play hockey, and also made time for lacrosse and baseball while excelling in school.
—Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excelling
Verb
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Ice accumulations of at least one-tenth of an inch are possible, with localized amounts exceeding one-quarter inch in parts of northern Michigan, according to the Weather Prediction Center winter weather forecast.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
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Some areas could see wind gusts approaching or exceeding 60 mph with relative humidity dropping near or below 10%, creating conditions where fires can spread rapidly.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Pokémon is the world’s highest-grossing media franchise, surpassing even Disney and Star Wars.—
Laura Sharman,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
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And Gamson’s college buddy Fred Maher, a drummer for Lou Reed, Richard Hell, and the avant-funk band Material, who, like Gartside, saw how the new electronic pop was surpassing the musical adventurousness of his old post-punk comfort zone.—
Andy Cush,
Pitchfork,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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With current policies and spending, the country’s national debt will surge to 120% of GDP by 2030, eclipsing the previous record of 106% set right after World War II.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
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Week leading up, the game dominated headlines, alongside and even eclipsing the war.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This kind of careful pruning is superior to topping, which results in weak and spindly growth and shortens a tree's lifespan.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
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From topping tacos and chips to upgrading burgers and grain bowls, the mealtime opportunities are endless.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Excelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excelling. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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