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
Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
After gastric bypass surgery and excess skin removal, Jones dropped more than 400 lbs.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Alex Badia, Footwear News, 11 Jan. 2026
This may seem counterintuitive, but the key is that ‘cozy’ is addressed in various ways throughout the home, not that every element is done in excess.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 17 July 2023
That suggests existing protections won’t have much force until the state extends its new worker-misclassification law (which cracks down on employers who rely to excess on gig workers) to temporary employees.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 22 Sep. 2021
See All Example Sentences for excess
Adjective
Dip the bottom of each cutting in rooting hormone and shake off any excess rooting powder or gel.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
After gastric bypass surgery and excess skin removal, Jones dropped more than 400 lbs.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
Gone were the bright colors and excess of seasons past; in their place came clarity, proportion, and craftsmanship — a disciplined approach that felt both modern and timeless.
—Alex Badia, Footwear News, 11 Jan. 2026
This may seem counterintuitive, but the key is that ‘cozy’ is addressed in various ways throughout the home, not that every element is done in excess.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
Over the past few months, my wife has begun drinking to excess every evening.
—Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 17 July 2023
That suggests existing protections won’t have much force until the state extends its new worker-misclassification law (which cracks down on employers who rely to excess on gig workers) to temporary employees.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 22 Sep. 2021
See All Example Sentences for excess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excess
Adjective
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And although lightweight, the shoe doesn’t compromise on support — it’s designed with a memory foam sole that absorbs impact and provides an extra layer of padding.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
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While there are plenty of bandages, wraps, and tapes, extra items such as an emergency thermal blanket, flashlights, sting relief, burn compression, and other items elevate this kit to support a variety of solutions.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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As providers warn of layoffs and a system nearing collapse, the contrast between the agency's austerity measures and the state's multi-billion dollar surplus remains a central point of contention for advocates and legislators alike.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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But in the years since, Sacramento has failed to act to address the massive debt incurred during the pandemic, despite having a $100 billion surplus in recent years.—
Vince Fong,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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They are forced to take out high-interest loans, drain reserves, lay off staff or cut services, all while continuing to perform work they are contracted to deliver.—
Kristin Brown,
New York Daily News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Ohio's Starbucks may shrink in the near future after the chain announced plans to close locations nationwide and lay off employees in retail and non-retail positions.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The beauty mogul mingled with stars like Jennifer Lawrence and Chalamet's co-star Odessa A'zion and definitely spent her spare seconds hanging on to to her boyfriend, who took home the award for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy during the night.—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The decor is clean-edged, and an upholstered bed frame—matching the carpet—is bookended with electric paper lanterns, all refreshingly spare.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Philly flashbacks There was no shortage of hard feelings (and maybe some sour grapes) when the 49ers lost 31-7 in the NFC Championship Game following the 2022 season when Haason Reddick sacked Purdy and tore the UCL in his right elbow.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Miami punts The Hurricanes once again got past midfield, but Carson Beck was then sacked on back-to-back plays to force a Miami punt.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Vergara's plunging red corset gown was covered in beads and trimmed with feathers.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
12 Jan. 2026
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The site does this by using AI tools coupled with Google Earth to find and measure the customer’s yard and come up with a price for basic mowing or premium services, which include trimming and weeding.—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Everglades restoration involves removing as many of these dams as possible without risking flood control, while adding more reservoirs for water storage, all to revive a river of grass that flows once more.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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Staff immediately removed him from his cell and provided medical aid.—
Mars King,
Twin Cities,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In 2019, about 60% of Olathe’s housing stock was less than $300,000, a price range that’s often considered attainable for first-time home buyers or residents looking to downsize.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
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The Saratoga City Council unanimously approved entering a tolling agreement with a developer in November to downsize a project and persuade them to withdraw their builder’s remedy application.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Excess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excess. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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