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
Scottie Andrew, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
Occupational licensing excesses have been subjected to bipartisan criticism.
—Alden Abbott, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Elizabeth Mervosh, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
For example, if your salary reaches $445,000, or $100,000 over the limit, the excess 17% translates to $17,000 as spillover into the MBCBP.
—Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
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 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
The future of pop, Murphy says, is tipping toward honest excess.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
Occupational licensing excesses have been subjected to bipartisan criticism.
—Alden Abbott, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Place cut citrus on paper towels to absorb any excess juices before putting them on your dressed salad.
—Elizabeth Mervosh, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
For example, if your salary reaches $445,000, or $100,000 over the limit, the excess 17% translates to $17,000 as spillover into the MBCBP.
—Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
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 26 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
excess
2 of 2 adjective
: more than what is usual, acceptable, or needed
excess baggage
an outlet for their excess energy
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share