superlative 1 of 2

adjective

su̇-ˈpər-lə-tiv How to pronounce superlative (audio)
Definition of superlativenext
as in excellent
of the very best kind the New England town meeting is a superlative example of grassroots democracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

superlative

2 of 2

noun

as in exaggeration

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 superlative
Adjective
Leica may be best known for making stills-only rangefinders, but that didn't stop it from loading the SL3-P up with a superlative video engine. — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026 The president continues to make superlative statements about his health and negotiating abilities. — Catherine Lucey, Fortune, 13 June 2026
Noun
But Korda's surge in Southern California is her latest superlative in a year already featuring three wins, three second-place finishes and a spot atop the world rankings in her first seven starts. — ABC News, 6 June 2026 More state superlatives Munster senior outfielder Nate Southwell is leading the state with 45 RBIs. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for superlative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superlative
  1. excellent
  2. exaggeration
  3. superb
  4. hyperbole
  5. wonderful
  6. magnification
  7. terrific
  8. elaboration
Adjective
  • Simashev is excellent defensively and on retrievals and tilts the ice in his favor.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As far as pop stars who happen to also be thoughtful and excellent songwriters go, Kahan is in the upper ranks.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Noun
  • The backlash is usually predictable, every wave of visible mobility aid use brings accusations of exaggeration and attention-seeking, aimed almost entirely at young women.
    — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Distracting from real issues These conspiracy theories are more than exaggerations for a broader audience.
    — Aaron Coy Moulton, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of exaggeration
Adjective
  • Malgorzata Szumowska, Michal Englert) Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn are superb as Anna and Fyodor Dostoevsky in Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s acerbic and joyful period film.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Segovia produced a superb spin before firing into the far corner.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of superb
Noun
  • The warning is no hyperbole, as cattle block the road, delaying the eventual sight of a massive oil-drilling rig.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Her legal team claims these allegations are false, and her comments are protected opinion or rhetorical hyperbole.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 July 2026
Definition of hyperbole
Adjective
  • There’s this wonderful character in the book, Lucky’s childhood friend [Steph].
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Toronto is a wonderful city, and this will be a Saturday night game featuring Sidney Crosby in the place for hockey.
    — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Noun
  • An optometrist eventually diagnosed her with presbyopia and added magnification to her prescription.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Their small apparent sizes require at least an 8-inch aperture telescope, longer focal lengths and higher magnification.
    — Damian Peach, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of magnification
Adjective
  • Lucasfilm hasn’t had a terrific year with its first film in theaters since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker.
    — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Chisholm was shaken up after trying to field Dominic Canzone's infield single in the ninth, but the second baseman remained in the game and followed with a terrific defensive play.
    — CBS New York Team, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of terrific
Noun
  • In ‘Air Ride’, the narrator’s—and apparent interlocutor’s—consistent silence emphasises the erratic nature of Sepp’s elaborations on beauty, music, frocks and landscape.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Co-owner Gary Worden confirmed the report without much elaboration.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Definition of elaboration

Browse Nearby Words

superjets
superlative
superlatively
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Cite this Entry

“Superlative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superlative. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of superlative for Spanish Speakers

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