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
Synonyms
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
Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2025
The timing makes sense: After a holiday season filled with cocktail parties and not-so-healthy meals, the idea of cleansing the body of excess seems attractive.
—Vicky Vera, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2025
Annie Peterson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025
Water and fat don’t mix, so excess oil or grease (say, from starting a soup with lots of bacon fat), can find its way to the surface, creating a greasy film.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 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
The Magnificent Seven companies reporting in the week ahead could unlock the next leg of the rally, as investors bet that earnings growth fueled by artificial intelligence could power a market some worry has gone to excess.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2025
The timing makes sense: After a holiday season filled with cocktail parties and not-so-healthy meals, the idea of cleansing the body of excess seems attractive.
—Vicky Vera, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Because avoiding excess heat and air exposure is key to keeping butter fresh, the temperature in your kitchen and how well the butter is wrapped will make a difference.
—Annie Peterson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025
Water and fat don’t mix, so excess oil or grease (say, from starting a soup with lots of bacon fat), can find its way to the surface, creating a greasy film.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 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
Articles Related to excess
Dictionary Entries Near excess
Cite this Entry
“Excess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excess. Accessed 30 Jan. 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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