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

Moreover, the modern CEO must excel in stakeholder management, skillfully balancing the often-conflicting demands of shareholders, employees, customers, and regulators. —Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024

Sophomore quarterback Brady Edmunds continues to excel for Huntington Beach, passing for more than 300 yards for the seventh time in his career. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024

Given some room to excel, albeit in roles that beg to be more deeply explored, are Tang Shiyi as Gui Ying, a schoolteacher and martial artist with a close connection to An’s family; and Bea Hayden Kuo as Xia An, the Banker’s illegitimate daughter who is romantically involved with An. —Richard Kuipers, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024

Her dedication to these diverse roles reflects her ability to excel in various areas, showcasing her versatility and leadership. —Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 2 Nov. 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