Synonym Chooser

How does the verb excel contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of excel are exceed, outdo, outstrip, surpass, and transcend. While all these words mean "to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree," excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

Where would exceed be a reasonable alternative to excel?

The words exceed and excel are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

When is outdo a more appropriate choice than excel?

Although the words outdo and excel have much in common, outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

When can outstrip be used instead of excel?

The words outstrip and excel can be used in similar contexts, but outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

In what contexts can surpass take the place of excel?

The meanings of surpass and excel largely overlap; however, surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

When is it sensible to use transcend instead of excel?

In some situations, the words transcend and excel are roughly equivalent. However, transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of excel Cory’s parents were accompanying their son. Olivia Eve Ter excelled on the ice. Julie Bosman, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2025 The Eagles also excelled overall, ranking eighth in total offense and seventh in scoring offense, wrapping up the regular season with a 14-3 record. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 The nonprofit has supported Longoria’s own eponymous charity, which helps Latinas excel in education and entrepreneurship. Hannah Malach, WWD, 29 Jan. 2025 The offseason is where Jerry typically excels in selling hope, optimism and ambition. Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for excel 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excel
Verb
  • Mahomes’ touchdown-to-interception ratio in the playoffs (5.4-to-1) also exceeds his regular season rate (3.3-to-1).
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025
  • If Coresight’s forecast holds true, store closures this year will exceed 2020, when the pandemic shut down businesses nationwide.
    Cory Smith, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In Denmark, where Season 1 surpassed its prime-time slot average by 31%, a second season is set to launch later this month.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
  • This year, Hamrick said the group surpassed 2,000 members.
    Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In the end, Iris has a battle with Josh and betters him by stabbing him in the head with an electronic wine opener.
    William Earl, Variety, 1 Feb. 2025
  • That small accomplishment alone, which isn’t actually so small, always serves to better my headspace when too busy with other things to fully deep-clean every surface, bathroom, and cluttered cabinet.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Nabers, remember, set a franchise record with 109 catches this season, eclipsing Steve Smith’s 107 from 2009.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025
  • But the game has changed — that era’s drugs eclipsed by the obliterants flooding in now.
    Matt Thompson, SPIN, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The brownies are topped with a mint buttercream filling and then with a chocolate ganache.
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Photo : Brian Kitts The formal dining room is topped with a vintage chandelier.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near excel

Cite this Entry

“Excel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excel. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on excel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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