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
Lackluster performances from the Italian players and a superlative showing from the Balkan team, who seemed to thrive under pressure, led to Slovakia securing a two-goal lead courtesy of a double from Róbert Vittek. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026 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 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
  • Alas, this excellent advice goes into one of Joe’s ears and out the other.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Owls are predators whose eyes are positioned on the front of their heads, giving them excellent depth perception.
    — Abigail Witmer, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Noun
  • Staffers for major political figures have puzzled over the content, and are growing concerned about the rise of a new wave of videos with errors, exaggerations, misleading comments, and a tone that can be downright weird.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Asante draws a manufacturing analogy—with some exaggeration—arguing that previous nuclear power plants were built bespoke, akin to constructing an entire factory to produce a single car.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of exaggeration
Adjective
  • MacDonald makes superb use of the story’s Manchester backdrop.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Still, this is fundamentally a showcase for Bailey, a superb young actress already capable of formidable emotional depth and yet never showy.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of superb
Noun
  • His is one of the few publications where the tagline – The Book Experts Cannot Do Without – isn’t hyperbole.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • His seminal memoir, Kitchen Confidential, which rocketed him to fame at 44, is, by his own admission, peppered with myth and hyperbole.
    — Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of hyperbole
Adjective
  • The coast on this part of Tuscany is a little wild, but wonderful for swimming, and guests have access to the boat for excursions to nearby islands and morning swims off secret coves.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Gloria lived a full, wonderful life filled with friends and great conversations and worthy causes.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Noun
  • The smaller the pixel, the higher the magnification can be used on the image capture side of a weapon sight, etc.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Even low-magnification, smaller-aperture binoculars will show some interesting details.
    — Gemma Lavender, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of magnification
Adjective
  • To me, an important part about sports is the memories that continue for so long after the events, and these two columns by two terrific writers truly brought that home.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Loving spouses disappoint us, supportive parents fail us, close friends misunderstand us, and even terrific children create enormous stress.
    — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Superlative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superlative. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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