excellent

adjective

ex·​cel·​lent ˈek-s(ə-)lənt How to pronounce excellent (audio)
Synonyms of excellentnext
1
: very good of its kind : eminently good : first-class
2
archaic : superior
excellently adverb

Examples of excellent in a Sentence

Her new movie has received excellent reviews. He is an excellent role model for young men everywhere. The car is in excellent condition.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Your ability to charm bosses and VIPs will be excellent. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026 The anchor issue doesn’t seem to be anyone’s fault, and Betul and João display excellent communication working through it. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026 Elevated garden beds are an excellent option for gardeners who want to avoid bending over to weed, feed, and prune their garden. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026 Both stationary biking and walking are excellent for improving cardiovascular health when done consistently. Rikkilynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excellent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin excellent-, excellens, from present participle of excellere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of excellent was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excellent. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

excellent

adjective
ex·​cel·​lent ˈek-s(ə-)lənt How to pronounce excellent (audio)
: very good of its kind : first-class
excellently adverb

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