EXCEL Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

excel

verb

ik-ˈsel

Definition of excel next

as in to exceed

to be greater, better, or stronger than the special effects in this new sci-fi extravaganza excel any that we've seen previously

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lose (to)

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

Examples 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 Vance Joseph’s defense has excelled at preventing splash plays, and Monday was a series of cannon balls. —

Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 2 Dec. 2024 Instant Omni Plus Toaster Oven Air Fryer $280 $180 at Amazon This combo air fryer and toaster oven excelled at crisping french fries, baking cookies, and toasting bread in our tests. —

Jessica Comstock, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Dec. 2024 He’s raised his OPS each of the last three seasons and most recently excelled in the Arizona Fall League, with five home runs and a .317 average in 19 games. —

Phil Rogers, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 People with this placement excel at breaking down complicated ideas and finding the most effective and efficient solutions. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for excel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for excel

Verb

The debts of only those people aged 70 and over exceed the total amount of all Social Security benefits that will be paid out this year.

Next Avenue, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Just don’t exceed 1,000 micrograms of total daily folate, the NIH says, as high doses can hide or exacerbate B12 deficiency and potentially increase risks of colorectal cancer.

Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024