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 WebJohn Tamny, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
For too long, Californians believed that the state, with all of its vastness and beauty, could endure our excesses, Arax said.
—Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2024
Matt Fuchs, TIME, 16 Sep. 2024
Squeegees are a handy and affordable tool that can quickly and easily remove excess water from shower walls, doors, seats, or ceilings.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 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 
Noun
By not planting an excess of bad seeds (think lousy hires, excessively optimistic investment in new initiatives, or both) during the good times, those who populate the actual economy mitigate the bad times.
—John Tamny, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
For too long, Californians believed that the state, with all of its vastness and beauty, could endure our excesses, Arax said.
—Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2024
Adjective
Other kinds, also found in food, prevent sodium levels from cresting too high, which could cause the body to retain excess water, straining the heart and kidneys.
—Matt Fuchs, TIME, 16 Sep. 2024
Squeegees are a handy and affordable tool that can quickly and easily remove excess water from shower walls, doors, seats, or ceilings.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 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
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'excess.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Excess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excess. Accessed 2 Oct. 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
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