excess

1 of 3

noun

ex·​cess ik-ˈses How to pronounce excess (audio) ˈek-ˌses How to pronounce excess (audio)
Synonyms of excess
1
a
: the state or an instance of surpassing usual, proper, or specified limits : superfluity
b
: the amount or degree by which one thing or quantity exceeds another
an excess of 10 bushels
2
: undue or immoderate indulgence : intemperance
also : an act or instance of intemperance
… prevent excesses and abuses by newly created local powers. —Albert Shanker
see also:
in excess of

excess

2 of 3

adjective

: more than the usual, proper, or specified amount

excess

3 of 3

verb

excessed; excessing; excesses

transitive verb

: to eliminate the position of
excessed several teachers because of budget cutbacks

Synonyms of excess

Relevance

Noun

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of excess in a Sentence

Noun They were equipped with an excess of provisions. The tests found an excess of sodium in his blood. He lived a life of excess. The movie embraces all the worst excesses of popular American culture. the violent excesses of the military regime He apologized for his past excesses. Adjective Basketball provided an outlet for their excess energy. She is trying to eliminate excess fat and calories from her diet.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
In the 40 years since, every facet of Spacemen 3’s story has been turned over and generously embellished, resulting in an excess of grandeur and foresight projected onto the duo at the heart of it. — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026 To this critic, the military presence advertised executive excess. — Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
On-site solar panels capture renewable energy during daylight, while high-capacity batteries store excess power for later use. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026 The new definition, developed by an international panel of medical experts convened by the medical journal The Lancet, requires evidence of both excess body fat and related health problems or limitations in daily activities. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excess

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French exces, from Late Latin excessus, from Latin, departure, projection, from excedere to exceed

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of excess was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing excess

Rhymes for excess

See All Rhymes for excess

Browse Nearby Words

excerption
excess
excess condemnation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excess. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

excess

1 of 2 noun
ex·​cess ik-ˈses How to pronounce excess (audio) ˈek-ˌses How to pronounce excess (audio)
1
: a state of being more than enough
2
a
: an amount beyond what is usual, needed, or asked
b
: the amount by which one thing or quantity exceeds another

excess

2 of 2 adjective
: more than what is usual, acceptable, or needed
excess baggage
an outlet for their excess energy

Legal Definition

excess

adjective
ex·​cess
: more than a usual or specified amount
specifically : additional to an amount specified under another insurance policy
excess coverage
excess insurance
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