excellent essay synonyms

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument . Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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adjective as in remarkably good

Strongest matches

• accomplished
• distinguished
• exceptional
• magnificent
• outstanding
• superlative

Weak matches

• distinctive
• first-class
• incomparable
• meritorious
• transcendent
• world-class

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Related Words

Words related to excellent are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word excellent . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

adjective as in exhibiting expertise in some activity

adjective as in great

adjective as in held in great respect

• cat's pajamas
• commendable
• crackerjack
• out of sight
• out of this world
• praiseworthy
• super-duper

adjective as in ahead in position, time, manner

• avant-garde
• breakthrough
• cutting edge
• leading edge
• progressive
• state-of-the-art
• unconventional

adjective as in very good, great

Viewing 5 / 150 related words

On this page you'll find 219 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to excellent, such as: accomplished, admirable, attractive, distinguished, exceptional, and exemplary.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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Synonyms and antonyms of excellent in English

• BETTER THAN ANYONE OR ANYTHING ELSE

Synonyms and examples

Antonym and example.

• EXTREMELY PLEASANT, ENJOYABLE, OR LIKABLE

excellent | American Thesaurus

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to leave a place or begin a journey

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Excellent Adjectives: Describing Words with Examples

Are you tired of using the same old adjectives to describe something excellent? Well, look no further! In this article, I’ll be sharing a comprehensive list of adjectives that you can use to add more depth and variety to your descriptions of excellence. From words that convey sheer brilliance to those that evoke awe-inspiring greatness, you’ll find a range of options to elevate your writing to new heights.

When it comes to describing excellence, it’s important to choose the right words that truly capture the essence of what you’re trying to convey. Whether you’re writing a review, crafting a persuasive essay, or simply want to add some flair to your everyday conversations, having a diverse set of adjectives at your disposal can make all the difference. So, let’s dive in and explore these descriptive gems that will help you paint a vivid picture of excellence in any context.

Table of Contents

How to Describe excellent? – Different Scenarios

When it comes to describing excellence, there are various scenarios in which you may want to use different adjectives. Here are a few examples of how to describe excellence in different contexts:

1. Academic Excellence: When talking about someone’s outstanding performance in academics, you can use adjectives like:

• Brilliant : She is a brilliant student, always achieving top grades.
• Incredible : His knowledge of math is incredible, solving complex problems effortlessly.
• Impressive : The essay she wrote for her history class was truly impressive, showing great research skills.

2. Professional Excellence: When describing someone’s exceptional work in their profession, consider using these adjectives:

• Exemplary : His commitment to his job is exemplary, always going above and beyond.
• Outstanding : She has shown outstanding leadership skills in managing the team.
• Exceptional : The marketing campaign he developed was exceptional, resulting in a significant increase in sales.

3. Personal Excellence: When it comes to personal qualities and achievements, you can use adjectives like:

• Ambitious : She is an ambitious individual, constantly striving for self-improvement.
• Determined : He has a determined attitude towards achieving his goals, no matter the obstacles.
• Inspiring : Their perseverance and positive mindset are truly inspiring.

4. Creative Excellence: When describing exceptional creativity, consider using adjectives such as:

• Innovative : The artist’s use of unconventional techniques is innovative and captivating.
• Original : His unique storytelling style is original, capturing the audience’s attention.
• Creative : She has a creative approach to problem-solving, always thinking outside the box.

Remember, using a variety of adjectives can enhance your descriptions and make them more engaging. So, don’t be afraid to explore different words that accurately capture the essence of excellence in various scenarios.

Describing Words for excellent in English

When it comes to describing something as excellent, it’s important to have a diverse range of adjectives at your disposal. Using the same adjective repeatedly can make your descriptions repetitive and dull. In order to engage your audience and make your writing more interesting, here are some examples of adjectives that you can use to describe excellence in different contexts:

• Academic Excellence:
• Diligent: consistently working hard and showing great effort
• Knowledgeable: possessing a deep understanding of a subject
• Exceptional: standing out from others due to outstanding performance
• Professional Excellence:
• Competent: having the necessary skills and abilities to excel in a job
• Innovative: introducing new and creative ideas to improve performance
• Reliable: consistently meeting expectations and delivering high-quality work
• Personal Excellence:
• Compassionate: showing kindness and empathy towards others
• Resilient: able to bounce back from challenges and setbacks
• Inspiring: motivating and influencing others through your actions
• Creative Excellence:
• Imaginative: having a vivid and innovative imagination
• Expressive: effectively conveying emotions and ideas through art or words
• Inventive: coming up with original and imaginative solutions to problems

By using a variety of adjectives to describe excellence in different scenarios, you can create more engaging and dynamic descriptions. Remember to choose the right words that accurately capture the essence of excellence in each context.

Now that you have a list of adjectives to choose from, take some time to explore different words and experiment with them in your writing. This will not only enhance your descriptions but also make them more captivating for your readers.

Keep in mind that the above examples are just a starting point. There are countless adjectives out there that can be used to describe excellence. Don’t be afraid to get creative and find the words that best capture the unique aspects of excellence in your specific situation.

Adjectives for excellent

As a preschool teacher, I understand the importance of teaching children a diverse range of adjectives to describe excellence. By using words that accurately capture the essence of excellence, we can help expand their vocabulary and foster their understanding of different contexts. In this section, I will provide you with positive and negative adjectives for excellent, along with example sentences, to use when teaching kids.

Positive Adjectives for Excellent

When teaching children about excellence, it’s important to focus on positive adjectives that highlight the qualities and attributes that make something truly remarkable. Here are 12 positive adjectives that can be used to describe excellence, along with example sentences:

Negative Adjectives for Excellent

While it’s important to focus on positive adjectives, introducing negative adjectives can help children understand that excellence is not always achieved and that there is always room for improvement. Here are 5 negative adjectives that can be used to discuss excellence, along with example sentences:

By introducing a variety of adjectives, both positive and negative, we can help children develop a nuanced understanding of excellence. Encourage them to use these adjectives to describe their own work and the work of their peers, fostering a positive and growth-oriented mindset. Keep in mind that it’s important to provide constructive feedback while using these adjectives, emphasizing the areas for improvement while also acknowledging their strengths.

Synonyms and Antonyms with Example Sentences

Synonyms for excellent:.

When it comes to describing excellence, there are numerous synonyms that can be used to express admiration and praise. Here are some powerful adjectives you can introduce to children to help them expand their vocabulary:

• Superb : The magician’s tricks were absolutely superb!
• Outstanding : Emily’s singing performance was truly outstanding.
• Remarkable : The artist’s attention to detail was remarkable.
• Exceptional : The student’s problem-solving skills are exceptional.
• Impressive : The athlete’s jump was incredibly impressive.
• Marvelous : The chef’s cake is simply marvelous.

These synonyms not only paint a positive picture of excellence but also encourage children to strive for greatness in their own endeavors.

Antonyms for Excellent:

Discussing antonyms not only helps children understand the opposite meaning of a word, but it also reinforces the concept that excellence is not always achieved. Here are some adjectives that can be used as antonyms for excellent:

• Mediocre : The movie’s plot was quite mediocre.
• Inferior : The team’s performance was inferior compared to their rivals.
• Underwhelming : The new toy’s features were underwhelming.
• Subpar : The student’s test scores were subpar.
• Unsatisfactory : The service at the restaurant was unsatisfactory.
• Poor : The actor’s performance was poor.

By introducing both positive and negative adjectives to describe excellence, we are teaching children that there is always room for improvement and growth. Encourage them to use these adjectives to describe both their own achievements and the work of their peers, fostering a positive and growth-oriented mindset.

Now that we’ve explored synonyms and antonyms for excellent, let’s move on to examining the importance of using diverse adjectives to describe different aspects of excellence.

Describing excellence requires a rich vocabulary that goes beyond the word “excellent” itself. This article has explored various adjectives that can be used to describe excellence, ranging from synonyms to antonyms. By introducing both positive and negative adjectives, we help children understand that excellence is not always achieved and that there is always room for improvement.

Using these adjectives not only expands children’s vocabulary, but also fosters a positive and growth-oriented mindset. Encouraging children to describe their own work and the work of their peers with these adjectives promotes self-reflection and a desire for continuous improvement.

In the next section, we will delve into the importance of using diverse adjectives to describe different aspects of excellence. By doing so, we can provide a more nuanced understanding of what it means to be excellent in various contexts.

So, let’s continue exploring the world of adjectives and discover how we can better articulate the concept of excellence.

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Find the synonyms or antonyms of a word

Synonyms for excellent

• accomplished
• distinguished
• exceptional
• distinctive
• first-class
• incomparable
• magnificent
• meritorious
• outstanding
• superlative
• transcendent
• world-class

Définition of excellent

• mid-14c., from Old French excellent "outstanding, excellent," from Latin excellentem (nominative excellens ), present participle of excellere (see excel).
• adj superior, wonderful
• With these thoughts was mingled deep pity for the pure-minded and excellent Philæmon.
• Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
• Miss Bines and young Milbrey were already on excellent terms.
• Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
• The lotus is a leguminous plant—so excellent for the salad—not for the roast.
• With Captain Evans, on the other hand, Robert was on excellent terms.
• Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
• We soon pitched camp, and took the horses to the feed, which was excellent.
• Extract from : « Explorations in Australia » by John Forrest
• "It is an excellent resolve," said my companion, looking at his watch.
• Extract from : « The Hall of Fantasy (From "Mosses From An Old Manse") » by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• That lagoon presented an excellent place for a cattle-station.
• Extract from : « Journal of an Expedition into the Interior of Tropical Australia » by Thomas Mitchell
• At present the Cliques have made, most excellent provisions.
• Extract from : « Punchinello, Vol. 1, No. 8, May 21, 1870 » by Various
• There was constantly some excellent reason why the one mentioned would not do.
• Extract from : « Ester Ried Yet Speaking » by Isabella Alden
• Voice, pose and gesture proclaimed at least the excellent mimic.
• Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana

Antonyms for excellent

• indistinguished
• insignificant
• second-class
• second-rate
• unexceptional
• unnoteworthy

Synonyms of 'excellent' in American English

Synonyms of 'excellent' in british english, additional synonyms.

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• excel in or at something
• All ENGLISH synonyms that begin with 'E'

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Synonyms of excellence

• as in excellency
• as in distinction
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Thesaurus Definition of excellence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• superiority
• preeminence
• distinction
• perfectness
• flawlessness
• faultlessness
• first - rateness
• impeccability
• consequence

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inferiority
• worthlessness
• ordinariness
• averageness
• cardinal virtue

Phrases Containing excellence

• par excellence

Thesaurus Entries Near excellence

excellences

Cite this Entry

“Excellence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excellence. Accessed 20 May. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on excellence

Nglish: Translation of excellence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of excellence for Arabic Speakers

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