View synonyms for excel

excel

[ ik-sel ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used without object)

, ex·celled, ex·cel·ling.

to surpass others or be superior in some respect or area; do extremely well:
to excel in math.

verb (used with object)

, ex·celled, ex·cel·ling.

to surpass; be superior to; outdo:
He excels all other poets of his day.
Synonyms: beat, top, exceed, transcend, eclipse, outstrip

excel

/ ɪkˈsɛl /

verb

to be superior to (another or others); surpass
intr; foll by in or at to be outstandingly good or proficient
he excels at tennis

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Other Words From

unex·celled adjective
unex·celling adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of excel¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French exceller, from Latin excellere, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + -cellere “to rise high, tower” (akin to celsus “high”)

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Word History and Origins

Origin of excel¹

C15: from Latin excellere to rise up

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Synonym Study

Excel, outdo, surpass imply being better than others or being superior in achievement. To excel is to be superior in some quality, attainment, or performance: to excel opponents at playing chess. To outdo is to make more successful effort than others: to outdo competitors in the high jump. To surpass is to go beyond others, especially in a contest as to quality or ability: to surpass one's classmates in knowledge of corporation law.

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