ultra

1 of 3

adjective

ul·​tra ˈəl-trə How to pronounce ultra (audio)
Synonyms of ultranext
: going beyond others or beyond due limit : extreme

ultra

2 of 3

noun

: one that is ultra : extremist

ultra-

3 of 3

prefix

1
: beyond in space : on the other side : trans-
ultraviolet
2
: beyond the range or limits of : transcending : super-
ultramicroscopic
3
: beyond what is ordinary, proper, or moderate : excessively : extremely
ultramodern

Synonyms of ultra

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of ultra in a Sentence

Adjective espouses a kind of ultra conservatism that even some members of his own party cannot support
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Mysaria, dressed to impress in her white silk robes, invites the madam Sylvi over for an ultra-exclusive backstage tour of the Red Keep. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 As the president of Marvel Studios and architect of the sprawling, ultra-successful Marvel Cinematic Universe, Feige is now responsible for the four biggest opening weekends in history. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
The club’s ultras celebrated by serenading him with a post-match chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’. — Tom Williams, New York Times, 9 July 2026 Political dissent can be harshly policed outside the stadium, but domestic clubs’ most ardent fan groups, often called ultras, are brazenly outspoken in their cheering. — Dan Greene, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ultra

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

ultra-

Noun

ultra-

Prefix

Latin, from ultra beyond, adverb & preposition, from *ulter situated beyond — more at ulterior

First Known Use

Adjective

1818, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultra was in 1818

Phrases Containing ultra

Browse Nearby Words

Ultonian
ultra
ultra-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ultra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultra. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ultra

1 of 2 adjective
ul·​tra
ˈəl-trə
: going beyond others : extreme

ultra-

2 of 2 prefix
1
: beyond : exceeding the range or limits of
ultraviolet
2
: more than is usual
ultramodern
Etymology

Prefix

derived from Latin ultra "beyond"

More from Merriam-Webster on ultra

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ultra

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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