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In our daily conversations and writings, we often encounter the need to express high praise or speak of something in superlative terms. This is where synonyms for “excellent” come into play, expanding our vocabulary and allowing us to convey our thoughts with nuance and precision. We understand that repeatedly using the same descriptor can dull the impact of our message and that’s why we look for varied ways to articulate our admiration or approval.
Excellent Synonyms
What Is “Excellent”?
“Excellent” is an adjective that we use to denote something as of high quality, exceptional merit, or considerable value. It’s often employed to convey approval or admiration, whether we’re evaluating performance, quality, or character.
List of Synonyms for Excellent
- Superb
- Outstanding
- Exceptional
- Splendid
- Marvelous
- Magnificent
- Terrific
- Remarkable
- Phenomenal
- First-rate
- Top-notch
- Awe-inspiring
- Exemplary
- Superlative
- Fabulous
- Brilliant
- Dazzling
- Extraordinary
- Impressive
- Supreme
- Unsurpassed
- Unrivaled
- Peerless
- Unbeatable
- Unparalleled
- Perfect
- Incredible
- Elite
- High-quality
- Stellar
- First-class
- Choice
- Prime
- Premium
- Select
- Distinguished
- Admirable
- Eminent
- Incomparable
- Matchless
- Optimal
- Preeminent
- Splendiferous
- Sublime
- Superior
- Transcendent
- Ultimate
- World-class
- Ace
- Capital
- Champion
- Deluxe
- Exquisite
- Finest
- Flawless
- Ideal
- Impeccable
- Praiseworthy
- Pinnacle
- Pivotal
- Praisable
- Refined
- Sensational
- Slick
- Striking
- Stunning
- Top-quality
- Top-tier
- Tremendous
- Wondrous
- Worthwhile
- Glorious
- Grand
- Majestic
- Radiant
- Resplendent
- Splendorous
- Virtuoso
- Classy
- Divine
- Elegant
- Enthralling
- Exalted
- Grandiose
- Heavenly
- Lovely
- Luxurious
- Noble
- Polished
- Regal
- Sumptuous
- Super
- Swell
- Upscale
- Valuable
- Well-executed
- Accomplished
- Adept
- Artistic
- Breathtaking
- Clever
- Consummate
- Deft
- Masterful
- Masterly
- Neat
- Nifty
- Proficient
- Skillful
- Smart
- Sophisticated
- Stylish
- Tasteful
- Versatile
- Virtuosic
- Winning
Types of Synonyms for Excellent
General Approval
- superb
- wonderful
- fantastic
- stellar
Outstanding Quality
- exceptional
- exemplary
- magnificent
- first-rate
Skilled Performance
- accomplished
- skillful
- masterful
- distinguished
Common Synonyms for Excellent
Excellent vs. Superb
“Superb” connotes an exquisite level of quality that often relates to skill or craftsmanship. When we contrast excellent vs. superb, we notice that “superb” might carry a slightly more refined air.
- The documentary was excellent; it was informative and engaging.
- The tailor did a superb job on the wedding dress, with every detail flawless.
Excellent vs. Outstanding
While “excellent” is a high praise, “outstanding” often suggests that something not only meets high standards but also stands out amidst a crowd. It’s about surpassing others’ expectations—or our own.
- Our team’s performance was excellent; we met all our goals.
- Her academic achievements are outstanding, consistently topping the class.
Excellent vs. Wonderful
“Wonderful” introduces an element of emotion, evoking a sense of joy or delight. If we’re using “wonderful” instead of “excellent,”, it’s often in contexts that involve personal feelings or experiences.
- The software update is excellent and improves functionality.
- The concert last night was wonderful; we had the time of our lives.
Excellent vs. Marvelous
“Marvelous” carries a similar feeling as “wonderful.” It suggests something is not just excellent but so extraordinary that it inspires wonder or awe.
- She received excellent marks on her project due to her thorough research and attention to detail.
- The view from the mountaintop was marvelous, stretching out for miles in every direction.
Synonyms for Excellent in Different Contexts
In Academic Achievements
- Exemplary: We consistently receive exemplary results in our research initiatives.
- Superlative: Our university is known for its superlative standards in education.
In Culinary Delights
- Delectable: The chef’s new dish is simply delectable.
- Mouthwatering: The aroma of the freshly-baked bread is truly mouthwatering.
In Performance
- Stellar: The lead actor’s performance was absolutely stellar.
- Outstanding: Our team delivered an outstanding presentation at the conference.
In Art and Design
- Exquisite: The gallery showcased an exquisite collection of modern art.
- Masterful: The intricate design of the tapestry is nothing short of masterful.
In Everyday Encounters
- Marvelous: We had a marvelous time at the theme park today.
- Wonderful: I just read a wonderful book on historical battles.
In Professional Services
- Exceptional: The customer service at the hotel was exceptional.
- First-rate: Our clients have come to expect first-rate legal advice from us.
Absolute and Near Synonyms of Excellent
Absolute Synonyms for Excellent
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Superb | Of the highest quality; excellent. |
| Outstanding | Extremely good or distinguished. |
| Superlative | Of the highest quality; the best. |
| Exceptional | Not typical; unusually good; outstanding. |
| First-rate | Of the best class or quality; top. |
| Unmatched | Without an equal; incomparable. |
Near Synonyms for Excellent
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stellar | Outstanding or immense in quality, like stars. |
| Fantastic | Extraordinarily good or attractive. |
| Splendid | Very impressive; magnificent or admirable. |
| Marvelous | Causing great wonder; extraordinarily good. |
| Admirable | Deserving respect or approval; impressive. |
| Exemplary | Representing the best of its kind. |
| Magnificent | Exceptionally good in quality or appearance; grand. |
| Distinguished | Very successful, authoritative, and commanding great respect. |
Synonyms for Excellent with Examples | Infographic
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some alternative words to describe something as excellent on a resume?
On a resume, we can use terms such as “outstanding,” “superior,” or “impeccable” to imply a high level of excellence. These words suggest a professional and impressive level of quality in skills or achievements.
How do I express something superior to ‘excellent’?
To express a level beyond excellent, we might choose words like “exemplary,” “unsurpassed,” or “peerless.” These terms indicate that something is not only excellent but also unmatched in its superiority.
Are there humorous alternatives to the word ‘excellent’?
Yes, for a more humorous or lighthearted tone, we could use phrases like “top-notch,” “the bee’s knees,” or “the cat’s pajamas.” These playful expressions convey excellence with a sense of fun.
Can you list synonyms that convey ‘excellent performance’?
Absolutely, we can use “stellar,” “superb,” or “first-rate” to describe an excellent performance. These words effectively communicate a high level of achievement or skill.
What word can I use to describe something of extremely good quality?
For something of extremely good quality, “exquisite,” “flawless,” or “pristine” are appropriate synonyms. They highlight the exceptional nature of an item or experience.
What terms mean the same as ‘excellent or outstanding’?
“Exceptional,” “remarkable,” and “distinguished” are all terms that equate to ‘excellent or outstanding.’ They can be used to denote something that stands out due to its high quality or notable characteristics.
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