exceeding
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for exceeding, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Very great; extraordinary in degree (an older, more formal usage).
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From exceed + the suffix -ing.
Full origin of exceeding →Frequently asked questions
What does “exceeding” mean?
The word “exceeding” means very great; extraordinary in degree (an older, more formal usage). In plain terms, extremely great — a somewhat old-fashioned way of saying "exceptional.".
How do you pronounce “exceeding”?
“Exceeding” is pronounced ihk-SEE-dihng (/ɪkˈsiːdɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “exceeding” in a sentence?
Here is “exceeding” used in a sentence: “He showed exceeding patience with the new recruits.”
What part of speech is “exceeding”?
“Exceeding” is an adjective.
Is “exceeding” a common word?
“Exceeding” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between exceeding and excessive?
Exceeding, in its older formal sense, means very great or extraordinary in degree, functioning as an intensifying adjective, as in exceeding joy. Excessive means going beyond a reasonable or acceptable limit and usually carries a negative connotation, describing something as too much rather than simply great in degree.
Is exceeding used the same way as exceedingly?
Exceeding as an adjective describing something as extraordinarily great is an older, more formal usage that has largely been replaced in modern English by exceedingly, the adverb meaning extremely. Exceeding also functions today as the present participle of the verb exceed, meaning to go beyond a limit, which is its most common modern use.
Why does exceeding sound old-fashioned in phrases like exceeding great?
Exceeding used as an adjective meaning very great or extraordinary is a formal, older usage found in historical or literary English, such as religious or classical texts. Modern English has largely replaced this construction with exceedingly, so exceeding great now reads as archaic rather than contemporary.