excellent

adjective

ex·​cel·​lent ˈek-s(ə-)lənt 

1

: very good of its kind : eminently good : first-class

2

archaic : superior

excellently adverb

Synonyms of excellent

• superb
• wonderful
• terrific
• great
• fantastic
• awesome
• lovely
• fabulous
• beautiful
• stellar
• marvelous
• prime
• fine

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

Blessed with wide fields of view, binoculars reveal the night sky beyond the reach of the naked eye, able to give excellent views of large and bright deep-sky objects — including star clusters and nebulas and the occasional galaxy (as well as the star-fields in the arc of the Milky Way). —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2026

Merritt said Maloney was an excellent receiver but had trouble — early in his prep career — beating press coverage. —Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026

The Doll Factory masterfully transforms the excellent best-selling novel into a gripping and darkly beautiful series. —Peter White, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026

Fortunately, the growing season is long in the southwest of France, an area of the country covered in vineyards, so there’s no shortage of excellent regional wine, olive oil, dairy, etc. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing excellent

• have it on good/excellent authority
• in (good/excellent, etc.) condition

Kids Definition

excellent

adjective

ex·​cel·​lent ˈek-s(ə-)lənt 

: very good of its kind : first-class

excellently adverb