par excellence

[pahr ek-suh-lahns, ek-suh-lans, pa-rek-se-lahns] / pɑr ˌɛk səˈlɑns, ˈɛk səˌlæns, pa rɛk sɛˈlɑ̃s /

ADJECTIVE

superior

Synonyms

WEAK

excellent preeminent quintessential supreme

ADVERB

of highest quality

Synonyms

WEAK

eminently importantly incomparably preeminent preeminently superior superiorly supremely the most

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In her infamous Brisbane speech, Shriver hailed the novelist as cultural appropriator par excellence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

“He has a vision for our country. He has knowledge of issues par excellence from all of the years that he’s served. He’s a strategic thinker,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

Deb Dassow has Midwest Mom vibes par excellence: short, well-styled gray hair; colorful blousy top; statement necklace.

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2024

Neither her Jane nor Glover’s John are operatives par excellence, which is where the farce creeps in.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2024

The opening words of Antony’s funeral oration in Julius Caesar are, covertly, an ethos appeal par excellence: a positioning of the speaker with relation to the crowd.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith