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 The company said that its EMMA model excelled at trajectory prediction, object detection, and road graph understanding. —

Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2024 In contrast, human decision-makers often excel in chaos, using creativity and instinct to pivot when the situation demands. —

Andre Shojaie, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Building Tension Through Character While action is crucial, the most memorable thrillers also excel at character development. —

Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024 The bed also excelled in responsiveness and was easy to change sleeping positions on. —

Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for excel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for excel

Verb

But the negative stock move is likely a result of the high-growth company forecasting just 7% quarter-over-quarter sales growth in the current period, which, though expected by experts, would be the slimmest expansion in two years and fell short of exceeding the most bullish expectations.

Derek Saul, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Data released by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction on Tuesday showed that 84% of Wisconsin public schools met, exceeded or significantly exceeded expectations for the 2023-24 school year.

Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024