Another word for excellent
Excellent (adjective): Very good; of a much higher than average quality or standard. Below are 24 synonyms across 4 senses. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
Most formal: superb, outstanding, splendidStrongest: superb, outstanding, stellar
24 synonyms shown
Very good quality · adjective
of high quality or skill
Very good performance · adjective
done exceptionally well
Excellent person · noun
a person of very high quality or value
Excellent condition · adjective
in very good condition or state
Find the right strength and register
Drag the amber target to how strong and how formal you need the word to be. The three closest synonyms light up.
You asked for: equal strength, neutral register
- first-rate — practical praise for quality
- great — broader and less precise
- terrific — enthusiastic and friendly
The dashed ring marks “excellent” itself: neutral strength, neutral register.
Synonyms for excellent in your sentence
None of these quite right? Paste your sentence and the AI picks replacements that fit it.
How to choose
Use excellent when you want neutral, widely understood praise. For a more precise choice, match the synonym to the thing being praised: superb and outstanding sound stronger, while solid or fine are milder and more restrained.
Antonyms of excellent
- bad
- poor
- inferior
- mediocre
- substandard
- awful
- terrible
- unsatisfactory
All synonyms at a glance
| Synonym | Strength | Formality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| superb | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, creative, casual |
| outstanding | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, creative, casual |
| great | 3/5 | casual | business, creative, casual |
| terrific | 3/5 | casual | creative, casual, business |
| splendid | 3/5 | formal | creative, business |
| first-rate | 3/5 | neutral | business, creative, casual |
| top-notch | 3/5 | casual | business, creative, casual |
| fine | 2/5 | neutral | business, casual |
| impressive | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| admirable | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| commendable | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| praiseworthy | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| stellar | 4/5 | casual | business, creative, casual |
| solid | 2/5 | neutral | business, academic |
| exceptional | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, creative, casual |
| gem | 3/5 | casual | creative, casual |
| star | 3/5 | casual | creative, casual, business |
| asset | 2/5 | formal | business, academic |
| standout | 3/5 | neutral | business, academic, creative, casual |
| pristine | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, creative, casual |
| immaculate | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, creative, casual |
| mint | 3/5 | casual | casual, business |
| like-new | 3/5 | casual | casual, business |
| flawless | 4/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
Questions about synonyms for excellent
What is the most formal or academic synonym for excellent?
Commendable and praiseworthy are among the most formal choices, especially when praising effort, conduct, or achievement. In academic or business writing, exceptional is also common when you mean unusually high quality rather than simply very good.
What is a stronger word than excellent?
Outstanding, superb, and exceptional are typically stronger than excellent. They suggest something that stands out more clearly or is closer to top-tier quality.
What is a milder alternative to excellent?
Great and fine are milder and less emphatic than excellent. Use them when you want approval without sounding especially excited or formal.