excellent

[ ek-suh-luhnt ]

adjective

1. possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.

   Synonyms: admirable, prime, first-rate, fine, choice, estimable, worthy

   Antonyms: inferior

2. Archaic. extraordinary; superior.

excellent

/ ˈɛksələnt /

adjective

1. exceptionally good; extremely meritorious; superior

Derived Forms

• ˈexcellently, adverb

Other Words From

• excel·lent·ly adverb
• super·excel·lent adjective
• super·excel·lent·ly adverb
• un·excel·lent adjective
• un·excel·lent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of excellent¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin excellent-, stem of excellēns, present participle of excellere excel

Example Sentences

The proposals included a “faculty research moonshot,” an award designed to encourage excellent research and attract top talent.

From New York Times

Thanking the many lawyers for their "excellent contributions," he concluded the hearing by saying: "It's a very difficult matter and it's a very important matter," adding, "I shall issue my judgment in due course."

From BBC

It’s a gift to hear her voice again, in such fine form and for such an excellent cause.

From New York Times

The boy is an excellent student; while his classmates dread going to school, he dreads his plantain-lugging weekends.

From New York Times

"He is an excellent broadcaster and a very good guy," Campbell said.

From BBC

Related Words

• accomplished
• admirable
• attractive
• distinguished
• exceptional
• exemplary
• exquisite
• fine
• finest
• first-rate
• good
• great
• magnificent
• outstanding
• skillful
• sterling
• superb
• superlative