PAR EXCELLENCE Synonyms: 174 Similar and Opposite Words

par excellence 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpär-ˌek-sə-ˈläns

Definition of par excellence

as in excellent

of the very best kind sophisticated cuisine that is obviously the work of a chef par excellence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

par excellence

2 of 2

adverb

as in at all

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of par excellence

Adjective

The service South Africa’s hospitality culture, to many, is par excellence, and Echo’s nearly all-South African front-of-house team feels like a natural extension of this (just in briskier climes). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026 Taxidermy would become the visual medium par excellence illustrating European expansion—one far more accessible to a broader crowd than anything in books, private collections, or even early zoos. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 18 May 2026 The perception of Disney as an American institution par excellence became, in this period, a matter of legal and financial fact. — Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026 With an inventive concept inspired by the Dutch series De Verraders and a superbly dressed host, The Traitors is a murder mystery game show par excellence. — Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for par excellence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for par excellence

Adjective

Simashev is excellent defensively and on retrievals and tilts the ice in his favor.

— Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
As far as pop stars who happen to also be thoughtful and excellent songwriters go, Kahan is in the upper ranks.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adverb

Those are still hardly small figures, and the inclusion of equity at all calls into question just how much the new rules will improve club finances.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Bringing in extra mythology wouldn’t make the confusing parts any less confusing, and would just confuse the parts that aren’t confusing at all.

— Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of at all

Adjective

Such a contrast to the wonderful Bootham Crescent, York’s home until 2020 and within stumbling distance of not only the famous Minster but all the city’s many other attractions.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Stepping into the shoes of Steve McQueen is no easy feat, but Brosnan does so with style as Thomas Crown, a billionaire art thief who falls for the insurance investigator chasing him, played by the wonderful Rene Russo.

— Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adverb

Anna’s sheer lace dress with a huge keyhole in the front and an open back is fine but also like a million other dresses; the same goes for Jude’s nicely constructed, but very familiar, black velvet dress with a corset.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
Quarterback Tommy DeVito looked to him on a go route on the very next play, but Williams didn’t cut back inside for the ball, which appeared to frustrate Vrabel on the sideline.

— Chad Graff, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of very

Adjective

My lovely therapist even gave me a map of the feet at the end to help me decipher where best to apply pressure at home.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
This formula that not only acts as a deodorant, but imparts a lovely fragrance (and that's particularly appealing in the dead of summer).

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of lovely

Adverb

Members of the search-and-rescue team who helped save the friends say the area is extremely treacherous and potentially dangerous even in daylight and perfect conditions.

— Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
The Washington Capitals’ system is headlined by the highly creative Cole Hutson and the extremely competitive Ryan Leonard.

— Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of extremely

Adverb

The Puerto Rican boxer had brain surgery but never fully recovered from his injuries, identified as a large subdural hematoma, and was in a persistent vegetative state.

— Matt Moret, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Based on the state’s funding formula, the district is only 70% fully funded, down from 73% last year.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of fully

Browse Nearby Words

paretic

par excellence

par for the course

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Par excellence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/par%20excellence. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of par excellence

adjective

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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