as in surpasses
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 excels
In a transactional business, Paton excels at relationships.
—
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026
The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum excels in both of these areas.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
While its romanticized view of the past may not be for everyone, the series excels in demonstrating da Vinci's boundless creativity, channeled through Tom Riley's cheeky, charismatic performance that brings the artist into the 21st century.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
There are the traditional blacks and grays, too, but Fusalp excels at offering the perfect blues, the punchiest reds, and the most unexpected (but still deeply chic) patterns.
—Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026
Echavarría noted that Colombia excels in categories such as sportswear, swimwear, intimates and uniforms.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 25 Feb. 2026
Arquitectonica excels at this kind of spirited, sculptural modernism, and the courts are a fine showcase for their abilities.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
However, there’s plenty that Bloomington excels at beyond college sports.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2026
The head sushi chef, Takahiro Masuno, excels at his craft, and was a joy to chat with over dinner at the sushi counter.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026
The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum excels in both of these areas.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
While its romanticized view of the past may not be for everyone, the series excels in demonstrating da Vinci's boundless creativity, channeled through Tom Riley's cheeky, charismatic performance that brings the artist into the 21st century.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
There are the traditional blacks and grays, too, but Fusalp excels at offering the perfect blues, the punchiest reds, and the most unexpected (but still deeply chic) patterns.
—Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026
Echavarría noted that Colombia excels in categories such as sportswear, swimwear, intimates and uniforms.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 25 Feb. 2026
Arquitectonica excels at this kind of spirited, sculptural modernism, and the courts are a fine showcase for their abilities.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
However, there’s plenty that Bloomington excels at beyond college sports.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2026
The head sushi chef, Takahiro Masuno, excels at his craft, and was a joy to chat with over dinner at the sushi counter.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excels
Verb
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And when a disappearance surpasses three months, it's usually considered a long-term case.—
Bill Chappell,
NPR,
27 Feb. 2026
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This surpasses a 250-second record previously held by NASA.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This altitude exceeds the cruising height of most airplanes, which is why pilots often choose to navigate around thunderstorms to avoid a bumpy ride.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Mar. 2026
-
According to the assessment findings, pollution from the generators likely exceeds legal limits, which would require a special permit and air-quality testing.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
At many elite schools, tuition now tops $70,000 a year — more than the median household income in most New York neighborhoods.—
Jacquelyn Martell,
New York Daily News,
28 Feb. 2026
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The star center had 26 points and 11 rebounds Thursday and averaged 29 points in February, tops in the Eastern Conference.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This eclipses the previous record for a film by a Black director, held by Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave, which scooped two awards in 2014.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Noem, among other alleged excesses, attempted to fire a Coast Guard pilot who forgot to bring her blanket aboard a DHS flight, the Journal reported, and has complained to staff that Homan eclipses her in television appearances.—
Michael Scherer,
The Atlantic,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Excels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excels. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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