1
a
: the state or an instance of surpassing usual, proper, or specified limits : superfluity
b
: the amount or degree by which one thing or quantity exceeds another
an excess of 10 bushels
2
: undue or immoderate indulgence : intemperance
also
: an act or instance of intemperance
prevent excesses and abuses by newly created local powers —
Albert Shanker
Albert Shanker
: more than the usual, proper, or specified amount
excessed; excessing; excesses
: to eliminate the position of
excessed several teachers because of budget cutbacks
Examples of excess in a Sentence
Noun
They were equipped with an excess of provisions.
The tests found an excess of sodium in his blood.
He lived a life of excess.
The movie embraces all the worst excesses of popular American culture.
the violent excesses of the military regime
He apologized for his past excesses.
Adjective
Basketball provided an outlet for their excess energy.
She is trying to eliminate excess fat and calories from her diet.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
This excess leads to various plumbing and health problems, including mineral deposits on plumbing fixtures, restricted water flow through pipes, dry skin and hair, and prematurely faded clothing and other laundry items.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025
This rare condition is most often seen in adults with nephrotic syndrome, a type of kidney disease in which excess protein leaks into the urine.
—Alicen Nelson Md, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 2025
Amy Dickinson, Anchorage Daily News, 17 July 2023
Over the past few months, my wife has begun drinking to excess every evening.
—Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 17 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for excess
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Noun
Photographed memorably on Gisele Bündchen by Nick Knight, the collection became emblematic of early-aughts excess and the bold, if controversial, cultural mashups of John Galliano’s Dior reign.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
This excess leads to various plumbing and health problems, including mineral deposits on plumbing fixtures, restricted water flow through pipes, dry skin and hair, and prematurely faded clothing and other laundry items.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Shake out excess dirt or debris in the backyard or spray it down with a hose to eliminate any spots.
—Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025
This rare condition is most often seen in adults with nephrotic syndrome, a type of kidney disease in which excess protein leaks into the urine.
—Alicen Nelson Md, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
Over the past few months my wife has begun drinking to excess every evening.
—Amy Dickinson, Anchorage Daily News, 17 July 2023
Over the past few months, my wife has begun drinking to excess every evening.
—Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 17 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for excess
Cite this Entry
“Excess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excess. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
excess
2 of 2 adjective
: more than what is usual, acceptable, or needed
excess baggage
an outlet for their excess energy
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