excellency

noun

ex·​cel·​len·​cy ˈek-s(ə-)lən(t)-sē How to pronounce excellency (audio)
plural excellencies
Synonyms of excellencynext
1
: excellence
especially : outstanding or valuable quality
—usually used in plural
so crammed, as he thinks, with excellencies — William Shakespeare
2
—used as a title for high dignitaries of state (such as a governor or an ambassador) or church (such as a Roman Catholic archbishop or bishop)

Synonyms

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Examples of excellency in a Sentence

claimed that granite has so many excellencies as material for countertops that it is well worth the high price the excellency of the violins crafted by Stradivarius is beyond dispute
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.
Education was considered an individual pursuit marked by moral excellency and only the students who did the best in school would have proceeded to higher education. — Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2024 Zurich said the Game Changer Award pays tribute to excellency in the film business with a focus on leaders that not only cherish change and forward-thinking approaches in the business, but also stand for the DNA of what cinema has represented since its invention. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of excellency was in the 15th century

Rhymes for excellency

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excellency
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Cite this Entry

“Excellency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excellency. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

excellency

noun
ex·​cel·​len·​cy ˈek-s(ə-)lən-sē How to pronounce excellency (audio)
plural excellencies
1
: excellence
2
—used as a title for some high government and church officials
your Excellency

More from Merriam-Webster on excellency

Nglish: Translation of excellency for Spanish Speakers

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