as in extra
being over what is needed
any excess food from the party will be donated to a shelter for the homeless
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in surplus
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed
a new television season with an excess of sitcoms featuring wisecracking teenagers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excessiveness
a propensity for extremes in one's actions, beliefs, or habits
the wretched excess that is so often found in the world of show business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to lay off
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of excess
Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 17 July 2023
That suggests existing protections won’t have much force until the state extends its new worker-misclassification law (which cracks down on employers who rely to excess on gig workers) to temporary employees.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 22 Sep. 2021
ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2025
Even if there’s no rain in the forecast, excess humidity can prevent proper absorption and alter the stain’s drying process, while low humidity can cause premature drying.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Bowyer describes himself as having grown up being guided by an industrious work ethic and a talent for cutting corners, a kid entranced by the material excess endemic to the region but out of his reach.
—David Amsden, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for excess
Adjective
Over the past few months, my wife has begun drinking to excess every evening.
—Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 17 July 2023
That suggests existing protections won’t have much force until the state extends its new worker-misclassification law (which cracks down on employers who rely to excess on gig workers) to temporary employees.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 22 Sep. 2021
Noun
The next morning, Dermish noticed new gas flares, presumably lit to release pressure in the pipeline network by burning excess gas.
—ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2025
Even if there’s no rain in the forecast, excess humidity can prevent proper absorption and alter the stain’s drying process, while low humidity can cause premature drying.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
Appropriately for an event dedicated to performativity and pure excess, Gaga was named one of the annual ball's co-chairs.
—EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Bowyer describes himself as having grown up being guided by an industrious work ethic and a talent for cutting corners, a kid entranced by the material excess endemic to the region but out of his reach.
—David Amsden, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for excess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excess
Adjective
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Still, the offense wasn’t flowing, and the unit had just given an extra possession to the Jaguars with an interception that led to a touchdown.—
Mike Kaye
September 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
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Goldenberg, who is based in Cleveland, had initially picked up the extra job a few years ago to help pay down the massive student debt he and his wife, a family doctor, had accumulated during medical school.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Abiy has said the dam will improve access to electricity for the almost half the population who had none as recently as 2022, and export the surplus to the region.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
-
There is even a world in which Winnipeg’s best play is to forget about its surplus of veteran defencemen, giving Salomonsson third-pairing minutes as soon as this season.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
When those dollars disappear, organizations must decide whether to cut programs, lay off staff, or close.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Sep. 2025
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In April, Hammacher Schlemmer laid off nearly a dozen employees, according to John Gagliardi, the company’s creative manager of 18 years, who was let go during the downsizing.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Currently available for 27 percent off, the slim bag boasts more than enough space for spare clothes, toiletries, and in-flight essentials thanks to its roomy 31-liter volume.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
-
During the ceremony, Butler’s mother was set up in the spare bedroom, which has a large window and a perfect view of the backyard.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Beyond the considerable issue of adequately defending the potent Eagles offense, the Chiefs most obviously will seek to better protect Mahomes — who was sacked six times and pressured 16 times without the Eagles blitzing once.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
11 Sep. 2025
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He's also been sacked three times (3) while rushing for a total of negative-three yards on 13 carries (including sacks).—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Undeterred, Rodgers connected on a five-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Warren to trim the deficit to 26-24.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
For his efforts, which also included spending more than $7,000 to trim trees and cut down two redwoods and a fir, he was rewarded with a certificate from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety that persuaded his insurer to maintain his coverage.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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By removing color, the focus shifts to texture, light, gesture, and gaze — emphasizing the nuances of connection and the multiplicity of what love can look like beyond normative, romanticized ideals.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
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Social media platforms, including YouTube and X, have begun removing videos of the attack.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Toths had a five-year plan to downsize.—
Joyce Cohen,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
-
View gallery - 10 images For those looking to dramatically downsize on both space and budget, Dragon Tiny Homes' new Sora may fit the bill.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Excess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excess. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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