excel

verb

ex·​cel ik-ˈsel 

excelled; excelling

transitive verb

: to be superior to : surpass in accomplishment or achievement

intransitive verb

: to be distinguishable by superiority : surpass others

excel in sports

excelled at lipreading

Synonyms

• beat
• better
• eclipse
• exceed
• outclass
• outdistance
• outdo
• outgun
• outmatch
• outshine
• outstrip
• overtop
• surpass
• top
• tower (over)
• transcend

Choose the Right Synonym for excel

exceed, surpass, transcend, excel, outdo, outstrip mean to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree.

exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

Examples of excel in a Sentence

She excels everyone else in sports.

the special effects in this new sci-fi extravaganza excel any that we've seen previously

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike some stars who need the ball in their hands to thrive, Middleton excels in the gaps. —Brian Sampson, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

While celebrities and Democrats excel at raising and spending money—such as the $1 million Harris' campaign reportedly spent on Oprah's event during their $1.5 billion total campaign war chest spending fee—this strategy often fails to resonate with voters. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Both its side brush and extendable mop arm excelled at sweeping dirt from the corner. —PCMAG, 6 Dec. 2024

His patience, compassion, and ability to balance helping others while excelling in his own work show a maturity and kindness that is inspiring. —Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English excellen, from Latin excellere, from ex- + -cellere to rise, project; akin to Latin collis hill — more at hill

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing excel

• excel oneself

Kids Definition

excel

verb

ex·​cel ik-ˈsel 

excelled; excelling

: to do or be better than others : surpass

a student who excels in sports

excels her brother at tennis