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2
as in defect
something that spoils the appearance or completeness of a thing
local residents regard the hulking apartment building as a hideous excrescence on their once-lovely street
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of excrescence
It was argued that the condition of Russia was a special one; that, elsewhere, the problem was rather one of dealing with the excrescences of the capitalist system than with capitalism itself.
—
Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2011
But if the art market seems like an excrescence on a more limited and refined definition of the art world — focused on art, artists, museums, nonprofit arts organizations and the passion of art lovers and connoisseurs — then Sotheby’s capture of the building is impossible to celebrate.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 6 June 2023
One suspects that that weird brown hair-excrescence thing had something to do with it.
—Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, 15 Jan. 2021
Each generation sees the technological advances of the previous era—no matter how near—as excrescences of an ancient world.
—Maël Renouard, Harper's Magazine, 27 Apr. 2020
His nationalism, in expression hyperbolic enough, essentially takes the form of virulent tropes of anti-socialism, anti-feminism and homophobia, excrescences alien to the Brazilian soul.
—Will Meyer, Longreads, 4 Oct. 2019
This concrete excrescence, remnant of a barbaric plan to encase the city in freeways, isn’t necessary and could be scrubbed off the landscape with a little bit of enlightened leadership.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2019
Various external forces coincided to make Kuma’s flirtation with monumental excrescences an abortive one.
—Nikil Saval, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2018
His evidence comes not only from obscure and difficult literary testimonia but from tree rings, ice cores and speleothems (excrescences found in caves from which ancient humidity levels can be deduced).
—James Romm, WSJ, 27 Oct. 2017
Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2011
But if the art market seems like an excrescence on a more limited and refined definition of the art world — focused on art, artists, museums, nonprofit arts organizations and the passion of art lovers and connoisseurs — then Sotheby’s capture of the building is impossible to celebrate.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 6 June 2023
One suspects that that weird brown hair-excrescence thing had something to do with it.
—Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, 15 Jan. 2021
Each generation sees the technological advances of the previous era—no matter how near—as excrescences of an ancient world.
—Maël Renouard, Harper's Magazine, 27 Apr. 2020
His nationalism, in expression hyperbolic enough, essentially takes the form of virulent tropes of anti-socialism, anti-feminism and homophobia, excrescences alien to the Brazilian soul.
—Will Meyer, Longreads, 4 Oct. 2019
This concrete excrescence, remnant of a barbaric plan to encase the city in freeways, isn’t necessary and could be scrubbed off the landscape with a little bit of enlightened leadership.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2019
Various external forces coincided to make Kuma’s flirtation with monumental excrescences an abortive one.
—Nikil Saval, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2018
His evidence comes not only from obscure and difficult literary testimonia but from tree rings, ice cores and speleothems (excrescences found in caves from which ancient humidity levels can be deduced).
—James Romm, WSJ, 27 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excrescence
Noun
-
As the sugar circulates throughout the body, it is absorbed by cancer cells and shows tumors invisible on standard X-rays.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
14 July 2025
-
After having a tumor roughly the size of a small basketball on her right ovary removed before the diagnosis, doctors then removed a smaller one on her left ovary three months later, the hospital said.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Requiring customers to provide proof of defects (like photos) eliminated most of the positive effects.—
Roger Dooley,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
-
Dozens of owners of brand-new homes in Caldwell and elsewhere in Southwest Idaho have told the Idaho Statesman about construction defects, including poor ventilation that traps moisture and mold, water intrusion and structural problems from poor framing.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
24 July 2025
Noun
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The 43-year-old initially felt an olive-sized lump in her breast while pregnant, forcing an early labor and a mastectomy just six days after giving birth to Lily, now 11.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
-
Between the freshness of the lump crab and its vegetal crunch, the orzo had all the makings of a great summer pasta salad, if on the mild-mannered side.—
Hannah Edgar,
Chicago Tribune,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
The loaches are generally brown and yellow, with saddle-like blotches along their backs, according to the study.—
Irene Wright
July 9,
Miami Herald,
9 July 2025
-
It’s usually identified by its white, fleshy taproot with reddish spots that resemble a parsnip, along with hollow stems marked by small purple blotches, according to the N.C. State Extension.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
Steer hides are like any other hides, including yours, and they’re sometimes covered with the scratches and scars of a life lived.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 July 2025
-
If untreated, these patches can lead to scars and permanent hair loss.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
29 July 2025
Noun
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Doing so may also reduce the risk of foot deformities and walking disabilities.11 Meanwhile, having foot problems can significantly affect your quality of life, particularly for women.12 Diseases can also affect shoe size and foot health.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
29 July 2025
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If your injury causes a deformity in your thigh muscle or prevents you from being able to put weight on your leg, seek immediate medical attention.—
Aubrey Bailey,
Verywell Health,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Excrescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excrescence. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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