NYT Dictionary

EXCELLENCE

/ˈɛksələns/

NounEX-cel-lenceex-cel-lence · 3 syllablesGrade 6

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026

Meaning

The quality of being excellent; brilliance

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English excellence, from Old French excellence, from Latin excellentia.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

superioritypre-eminenceperfectionworthgoodnesspuritygreatnessexcellency accent amenity

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.