Definition of excelnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb excel contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of excel are exceed, outdo, outstrip, surpass, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

Where would exceed be a reasonable alternative to excel?

The words exceed and excel are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

When is outdo a more appropriate choice than excel?

Although the words outdo and excel have much in common, outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

When can outstrip be used instead of excel?

The words outstrip and excel can be used in similar contexts, but outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

In what contexts can surpass take the place of excel?

The meanings of surpass and excel largely overlap; however, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When is it sensible to use transcend instead of excel?

In some situations, the words transcend and excel are roughly equivalent. However, transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of excel This is demeaning, unfair, and dangerous to women and girls, and denies women and girls the equal opportunity to participate and excel in competitive sports. Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026 The concierge team excels in building custom itineraries of activities both on and off the property, such as exclusive temple tours, cooking classes, or Muay Thai lessons. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 June 2026 The Jets can only win by excelling at the less celebrated facets of teambuilding — drafting, developing, and retaining youth. Murat Ates, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Naperville is known for excelling. Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for excel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excel
Verb
  • And by the 12th year, this number rises to $113,000, exceeding the median salary for graduate degree-holders in the state, according to the data released by the UC’s Institutional Research and Academic Planning department.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • Revenue from golf and resort properties exceeded $500 million in 2025, rising about 15% from the previous year, according to the filing.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Gas and diesel prices didn’t surpass their 2022 highs.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • Since her passing, Sonoma County experienced the most destructive wildfires in California history in 2017, only for another, more destructive fire to surpass it a year later.
    Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Second in Austria marked Verstappen’s best result of the season — bettering his third in Canada.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Hale, meanwhile, switched parties last year, arguing that running as a Republican will better his chances at beating Moore.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • This year, the usual backyard cookouts and fireworks are being eclipsed by once-in-a-generation celebrations marking the nation’s 250th birthday.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
  • That power is not wholly spent, nor wholly eclipsed, by anti-democratic forces.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Conversely, Hardaway has topped 70 games each of the past four seasons.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • When the job market was booming from mid-2021 to mid-2023 after COVID-19 lockdowns, gross monthly hiring regularly topped 6 million.
    Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excel. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on excel

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster