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 Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. Sarah Han, Allure, 7 Jan. 2025 Our children and youngest generations. TikTok, alongside other social media platforms, excels at one thing: keeping users hooked. Andrae Bailey, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2025 Meckler would also give Seattle an outfielder who excels at getting on base. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025 While Penix excelled as a drop-back passer, Milroe is one of the best running quarterbacks in the country. John Adams, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for excel 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excel
Verb
  • Projects must be feature dramas or animations intended for commercial theatrical exhibition in Hong Kong, with a runtime of at least 80 minutes and a production budget not exceeding $7.7 million.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Those losses would far exceed the $12.5 billion in insured damages from the 2018 Camp Fire, which until now was the costliest blaze in the country’s history, according to data from Aon.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The fire had burned 10,600 acres by Wednesday afternoon, with winds reaching, and even surpassing 80 mph, per the Angeles National Forest.
    Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025
  • With SpaceX’s continued pace, more launches from United Launch Alliance and the debut of Blue Origin’s New Glenn, the Space Coast could surpass 100 in 2025.
    Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The heartbroken sister remembered her brother as a kind-hearted and family-oriented man working to better his life.
    Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Exercise isn’t the only way people try to better themselves when a new calendar sets in.
    Jack Butler, National Review, 5 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • That figure eclipsed the total rushing yards of any other player in college football this season.
    Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Minneapolis' population of 433,000 will eclipse half a million people by 2050 — a far cry from the largely stagnant '90s and 2000s, Barajas noted.
    Kyle Stokes, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In September/October 1980, Queen topped the chart for five consecutive weeks with The Game.
    Paul Grein, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2025
  • In a win for Gerard Butler and Lionsgate, the heist pic Den of Thieves 2: Pantera topped the domestic box office with a better-than-expected $15.5 million opening over the second full weekend of 2025.
    Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near excel

Cite this Entry

“Excel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excel. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on excel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!