superpower

noun

su·​per·​pow·​er ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce superpower (audio)
1
: excessive or superior power
2
a
: an extremely powerful nation
specifically : one of a very few dominant states in an era when the world is divided politically into these states and their satellites
b
: an international governing body able to enforce its will upon the most powerful states
c
: an extremely powerful company, organization, etc.
The retailer hoped to become a financial services superpowerPatricia Sellers
3
: a power or ability (such as the ability to become invisible or to fly) of the kind possessed by superheroes : a superhuman power
The Fantastic Four first appeared in November 1961, originating with four friends who journeyed to space to thwart the Russians from getting there first. They were overwhelmed by a menacing radiation cloud and their molecular structure was altered, giving each of them superpowers.Laura Mattoon D'Amore
The superpower I've always wished for is invisibility, and I chose my vocation accordingly. A novelist gets 140,000 words per one tiny author photo. That's a visibility ratio I can live with.Barbara Kingsolver
superpowered adjective

Examples of superpower in a Sentence

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.
One of the most dazzling superpowers of using toothpaste as a cleaner can be seen in a gleaming shower door. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025 Osaka, who has rediscovered her big-point superpower the past few weeks, edged the opener 6-4, breaking serve while holding a 5-4 lead. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025 Making reservations is Cindy’s superpower. Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025 For marketing professionals, AI can be your superpower to supercharge your unique voice, talent and reach in ways never before possible. Mark Francis, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for superpower

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of superpower was in 1849

Cite this Entry

“Superpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superpower. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

superpower

noun
su·​per·​pow·​er ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce superpower (audio)
: an extremely powerful nation

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