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
Rob Falzon,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
The formula combines an acne-fighting trio of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to exfoliate away dead skin cells and unclog pores, while tea tree leaf water further targets breakouts, and calamine keeps excess oil in check.
—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 June 2026
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Like an Old Testament patriarch whose sins are absorbed in a greater story of redemption, America’s identity as the apostle of liberty relieves it of the excesses of introspection.
—
Literary Hub,
15 June 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
When revenues are trending upward, entrepreneurs can be tempted to reinvest all excess capital back into their businesses.
—
Rob Falzon,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
The formula combines an acne-fighting trio of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to exfoliate away dead skin cells and unclog pores, while tea tree leaf water further targets breakouts, and calamine keeps excess oil in check.
—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 June 2026
Noun
The United States, widely criticized under President Joe Biden for not reining in brutal Israeli excesses in Gaza, is now trying to curtail Israeli action in tackling the more existential security challenge to its north with Hezbollah.
—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Like an Old Testament patriarch whose sins are absorbed in a greater story of redemption, America’s identity as the apostle of liberty relieves it of the excesses of introspection.
—
Literary Hub,
15 June 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
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July 4th fireworks and celebrations hold extra meaning in 2026 as the United States celebrates the 250th birthday of the nation.
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As for oats, consider sneaking in some extra protein to round out their nutritional profile.
Noun
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In 2022, California recorded a nearly $100 billion surplus, saved just $10 billion in its rainy day fund and then spent the rest.
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Those include requiring property owners to file a claim with the government for any surplus proceeds from the tax sale.
Noun
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This excessiveness can hinder critical knowledge building because of the sheer amount of information that can be accessed simultaneously at any time.
Verb
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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.
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But the fiercest headwind could be declining enrollment, which will inevitably force leaders to close schools, lay off staff and consolidate services.
Adjective
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The perfect blend of slouchy yet structured, this roomy bag easily fits a laptop, book, wallet, and a spare layer for chilly evenings.
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In a bid to streamline transport and logistics — and spare attendees from spending half the festival shuttling up and down the Italian Riviera — this year’s Italian Global Series Festival has drawn a clearer line between its two host cities.
Noun
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In 2002, a city councilor promoting the Pittsburgh Triathlon had to swap the swim leg for a bike leg after an overflow.
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According to Cyril Xaba, the mayor of Durban, the new facility is being set up in response to a sharp rise in arrivals at the Sherwood site, and would serve as an overflow site to reduce overcrowding.
Verb
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He was sacked in December 2024 after winning just twice in the Premier League to begin the 2024-25 campaign.
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The result was so emphatic that the Tunisian soccer federation acted fast, sacking manager Sabri Lamouchi just hours after.
Noun
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Top competitor Alibaba is also banking on an abundance of autonomous technology throughout its supply chain over the next few years.
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His core argument is that abundance carries hidden costs the effort of evaluating options, the fear of picking wrong and the nagging sense that some other choice might have been better.
Cite this Entry
“Excess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excess. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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