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
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Recent Examples of excess
David McHugh, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
To keep excess moisture from sticking around and causing damage, run your bathroom’s exhaust fan.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 June 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
Cormann warned that government spending aimed at relieving energy costs needed to be aimed at those most in need and temporary, to avoid running up excess government debt and preserving incentives to save energy.
—David McHugh, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
To keep excess moisture from sticking around and causing damage, run your bathroom’s exhaust fan.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 June 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
-
The Statesman reported last December that Boise police provided extra security to Mayor Lauren McLean after Fitzpatrick offered a minimum $10,000 reward for information that could lead to her arrest and conviction — for unidentified crimes.—
Noah Daly,
Idaho Statesman,
11 June 2026
-
Even with all those extra teams – there’s 48 in this year’s tournament, up 16 from recent editions – there will still be the surprises and upsets that make every World Cup special.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Minnesota is currently working with a small $3 billion surplus.—
Mary Murphy,
Twin Cities,
9 June 2026
-
When a seller prices tickets below what the market would bear, the surplus doesn’t disappear, but rather, moves into queues, bots, and resale platforms.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
9 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
-
In a new manuscript, the company shows just how essential having that reserve of spare atoms can be.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
3 June 2026
-
Bilardo, meanwhile, made a significant tactical switch, scrapping his 4-3-1-2 and instead using a 3-5-2 formation to provide a spare man against England’s strike duo, with Maradona playing off Jorge Valdano rather than behind two strikers.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
After a perfect drive on 18, Korda took the walk that so many champions have taken, strolling up Riviera’s famed 18th fairway, staring at the overflow crowd sitting around the green that was waiting to cheer her victory.—
Bob Buttitta,
Daily News,
8 June 2026
-
Later this summer, McFadden plans to reopen a former juvenile jail and keep adults there to manage overflow.—
Ryan Oehrli,
Charlotte Observer,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Awosika, Biadasz and Strange were key offseason free-agent signings Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz made in order to fill the gaps between Slater and Alt and better protect Herbert, who was sacked 54 times during the 2025 season, the most in any of his five previous NFL seasons.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
8 June 2026
-
And as Pulisic’s private jet made its way from Italy to New York, the club’s coach, sporting director and two other top executives were sacked.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Only Lionel Messi scored more (eight) than the Bayern Munich winger (seven) during South American qualification and Diaz is the talisman for his country, who has goal and assist-threat in abundance.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
-
Due to the abundance of moisture in the atmosphere, heat index values will approach 100° to 105° during the afternoon.—
Lauren Bostwick,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Excess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excess. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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