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
Albert Shanker
: more than the usual, proper, or specified amount
excessed; excessing; excesses
: to eliminate the position of
excessed several teachers because of budget cutbacks
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
David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
Millions remain far from liberated from economic pressure, and few of us feel burdened by an excess of free time.
—Arianna Huffington, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025
Ladder CDs Any excess cash beyond the six months of savings should move elsewhere, said Ransom-Cooper, also a member of the CNBC Financial Advisor Council.
—Michelle Fox, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
Amy Dickinson, Anchorage Daily News, 17 July 2023
Over the past few months, my wife has begun drinking to excess every evening.
—Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 17 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for excess
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Noun
During winter months when water demand is low, the city would have to store the excess in either a reservoir or some kind of storage basin.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
Millions remain far from liberated from economic pressure, and few of us feel burdened by an excess of free time.
—Arianna Huffington, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Here, Disney Petit, CEO of LiquiDonate, discusses how the returns and warehouse management solution is helping retailers turn excess inventory and unsellable goods into opportunities for community impact and operational efficiency.
—Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025
Ladder CDs Any excess cash beyond the six months of savings should move elsewhere, said Ransom-Cooper, also a member of the CNBC Financial Advisor Council.
—Michelle Fox, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
Over the past few months my wife has begun drinking to excess every evening.
—Amy Dickinson, Anchorage Daily News, 17 July 2023
Over the past few months, my wife has begun drinking to excess every evening.
—Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 17 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for excess
Cite this Entry
“Excess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excess. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
excess
2 of 2 adjective
: more than what is usual, acceptable, or needed
excess baggage
an outlet for their excess energy
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