head and shoulders

adverb

Definition of head and shouldersnext
as in definitely
by a considerable margin a performance that was head and shoulders above all the others in the talent competition

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of head and shoulders Preliminary data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center shows Illinois leading the rankings across the country, head and shoulders above the traditional Tornado Alley areas of Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 While Knicks fans will remember the 2025-26 NBA season forever, there are a handful of moments that stand head and shoulders above the rest. — Mark Prussin, CBS News, 18 June 2026 Sumner barely escaped death; his head and shoulders were slashed to the bone. — Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026 Accessible rooms are available, putting this hotel head and shoulders above comparable historic properties. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for head and shoulders
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head and shoulders
  1. definitely
  2. far and away
  3. undoubtedly
Adverb
  • But keeping their promotion rivals at bay most definitely was, Parkinson’s men conceding 24 times in those dozen games, 16 of which came on Welsh soil.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Blanco Gran Reserva Ask any collector about Spanish wines and the name Faustino will definitely come up in the conversation.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of definitely
Adverb
  • The United States is far and away the current leader of reusable launch, and virtually all new commercial rockets under development incorporate some aspect of reuse.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Kia Rio and Nissan Versa far and away lead the running, with death rates of 170 and 164 per million registered years, respectively.
    — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 30 July 2026
Definition of far and away
Adverb
  • The highlight of your weekend will undoubtedly be horseback riding through groves of oaks up to the pancake breakfast.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Some importing countries will undoubtedly see the disruption as a reason to reduce their dependence on oil, but many may draw the opposite lesson.
    — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of undoubtedly

Browse Nearby Words

headaches
head and shoulders
head case
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Cite this Entry

“Head and shoulders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head%20and%20shoulders. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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