excel

verb

ik-ˈsel How to pronounce excel (audio)
Definition of excelnext
as in to exceed
to be greater, better, or stronger than the special effects in this new sci-fi extravaganza excel any that we've seen previously

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Southport High School senior Sophia Nguyen is a standout student and leader, excelling in academics and extracurricular activities. —Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 Dylan has managed his team and excelled at documenting the design process with the engineering notebook. —Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 To excel, Stone borrows from her backgrounds in sports, TV production, nonprofit leadership and success with other cancer causes. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 While the Nets have drawn scrutiny for selecting prospects with overlapping skill sets, the organization views it as an exciting opportunity to excel in their pursuit of mastering positionless basketball. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for excel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excel
  1. exceed
  2. surpass
  3. better
  4. eclipse
  5. top
Verb
  • That number far exceeds any other program nationwide.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • The asylum process in Mexico is supposed to take about three months, said Mejía from UNHCR, but the number of cases exceeds the capacity of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Aid to process them.
    — Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
Definition of exceed
Verb
  • Several family members of former MLB relief pitcher Tyler Walker remain missing on Tuesday as the death toll surpassed 100 following the devastating flooding that took place in central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend.
    — Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
  • The death toll from flooding in Texas surpassed 100 on Monday, as officials faced scrutiny over the adequacy of local warning systems.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of surpass
Verb
  • The performance, which bettered Wilson’s former U18 best of 44.20 from last year at the Holloway Pro Classic, moved the rising high school senior and Olympic gold medalist to No. 4 in the world at the distance.
    — Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Research has shown that expressing gratitude provides many health benefits including reducing depression, improving self-esteem, bettering sleep, lowering blood pressure and an increased sense of happiness and well-being.
    — Rafael James, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
Definition of better
Verb
  • With his two homers on Saturday against the Angels, Suarez has now eclipsed 30 home runs in six of the last seven full seasons he's played in.
    — Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • According to Baseball Almanac, only three American League catchers have eclipsed Heineman’s three errors by committing four in a single game — all before 1930.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of eclipse
Verb
  • But the purpose of the fizzy water remains the same: to top things off and result in an easy-drinking, lower-ABV option.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • The crowd grew in size as the scorching sun dipped below the horizon after a day that topped 100 degrees in Sacramento.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of top

Browse Nearby Words

exceeds
excel
excelled
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Cite this Entry

“Excel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excel. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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