as in extra
being over what is needed
any excess food from the party will be donated to a shelter for the homeless
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in surplus
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed
a new television season with an excess of sitcoms featuring wisecracking teenagers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excessiveness
a propensity for extremes in one's actions, beliefs, or habits
the wretched excess that is so often found in the world of show business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to lay off
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of excess
Beth Thomas, Verywell Health, 27 May 2026
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off into the bowl or bag.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
The media narrative around Moss was, at the time, one of excess.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
Amy Dickinson, Anchorage Daily News, 17 July 2023
You’ve been quoted as saying that that is really what the film is about — not so much drinking to excess as embracing the uncontrollable.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2021
See All Example Sentences for excess
Adjective
There are no known adverse events associated with excess vitamin K intake.
—Beth Thomas, Verywell Health, 27 May 2026
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off into the bowl or bag.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
Noun
Why Evolution Favored Crocodiles’ Violent Strategy To us, crocodiles’ hunting strategy looks grotesque to the point of excess.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
The media narrative around Moss was, at the time, one of excess.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
Verb
Over the past few months my wife has begun drinking to excess every evening.
—Amy Dickinson, Anchorage Daily News, 17 July 2023
You’ve been quoted as saying that that is really what the film is about — not so much drinking to excess as embracing the uncontrollable.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2021
See All Example Sentences for excess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excess
Adjective
-
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2026
-
An extra 20 grams of white meat, such as chicken or turkey, was linked to a 12% higher risk of cancer in the main body of the stomach, the researchers noted.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Lesser and other of Lamont’s fellow Democrats in the General Assembly’s majority have recommended tapping state finances, which have achieved unprecedented surpluses for nearly a decade, to help these households buy groceries.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
2 June 2026
-
The concept is the same – connecting shoppers with grocers who have surplus food nearing its best-by date – but the difference is shoppers choose specific food items offered up by the grocer in the app to pick up in the store.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
This excessiveness can hinder critical knowledge building because of the sheer amount of information that can be accessed simultaneously at any time.—
Carmen Daniela Maier,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
But now that the bill is due, some policymakers are having to raise taxes, and in the worst cases, cut district budgets and lay off educators.—
Editorial Board,
Washington Post,
3 June 2026
-
But the fiercest headwind could be declining enrollment, which will inevitably force leaders to close schools, lay off staff and consolidate services.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
27 May 2026
Adjective
-
Just yesterday, the USGA rolled out a pilot phase for Rules AI, aiming to spare golfers from the endless squabbles over sprinkler-head relief and the other rulebook conundrums that inevitably arise during a round.—
Mike Dojc,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
Analysts today describe an institution constrained by shortages of fuel and spare parts and increasingly dependent on domestic improvisation — modifying, repurposing and cannibalizing older systems to keep them operational.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
There are stunning coves in abundance on this lush stretch of Peloponnesian coastline.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Out of an abundance of caution, Haunted Mansion cast members gave verbal instructions and were deployed to assist guests during the evacuation procedure, according to Disneyland officials.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Lopetegui was sacked by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) the next day and replaced by Fernando Hierro.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
-
Opponents sacked Herbert 54 times last season, a career high.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
The overflow was stopped by closing a valve, and a bypass was set up to allow for repairs.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
-
It's expected to spill beyond the arena grounds, with overflow viewing available on the White House Ellipse and National Mall for around 85,000 spectators, who can view the fights on video boards.—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Excess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excess. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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