excess
2 antonyms and opposites of excess, grouped by meaning.
Noun — An amount beyond what is normal, necessary, or allowed.
Antonyms
How to use excess
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French exces, from Latin excessus, "a going beyond," from excedere (see "exceed").
Full origin of excess →Frequently asked questions
What does “excess” mean?
The word “excess” means an amount beyond what is normal, necessary, or allowed. In plain terms, too much of something, or the amount left over past a limit.
How do you pronounce “excess”?
“Excess” is pronounced EHK-sehs (/ˈɛksɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “excess” in a sentence?
Here is “excess” used in a sentence: “Any excess of the deposit will be refunded.”
What is another word for “excess”?
Words with a similar meaning to “excess” include abundance, acrasia, acrasy, excessiveness, exuberance and copiousness.
What is the opposite of “excess”?
The opposite of “excess” — its antonyms — are lack and deficiency.
What part of speech is “excess”?
Depending on how it is used, “excess” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “excess” come from?
The word “excess” comes from Latin. From Old French exces, from Latin excessus, "a going beyond," from excedere (see "exceed").
Is “excess” a common word?
“Excess” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "excess" and "surplus"?
A surplus is an extra amount left over, often neutral or even beneficial, such as a budget surplus. "Excess" carries a stronger sense of being more than is needed, allowed, or good for you, and can imply waste or overindulgence.
What is the difference between "excess" and "access"?
These are commonly confused because they sound alike. "Excess" means an amount beyond what is normal or necessary, while "access" means the means or right to enter or use something. They are unrelated in meaning.
When does "excess" mean overindulgence?
Beyond meaning a surplus amount, "excess" can mean overindulgence, especially in eating or drinking. Phrases like "a life of excess" or "drinking to excess" use this sense to suggest a lack of restraint.