superb

adjective

su·​perb su̇-ˈpərb How to pronounce superb (audio)
: marked to the highest degree by grandeur, excellence, brilliance, or competence
superbly adverb
superbness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for superb

splendid, resplendent, gorgeous, glorious, sublime, superb mean extraordinarily or transcendently impressive.

splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

superb suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree.

her singing was superb

Examples of superb in a Sentence

They've done a superb job. The performance was absolutely superb.
Recent Examples on the Web Their timing is superb in that the rise of the Mountain West creates several intriguing regional options, including Pullman native Danny Sprinkle, who has done fine work in his first season at Utah State. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 Judith West narrates this superb biography in a methodical manner that takes getting used to, but eventually her voice’s clarity and steady pace strike the listener as appropriate to relaying the myriad details of this courageous, politically momentous life. Katherine A. Powers, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 Both are superb looks at the justice system, as well as issues of jurisprudence, witness credibility, and how misogyny and bias can shape the outcome of a case. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024 The Great Dictator' (1940) Silent-movie star and director Charlie Chaplin's first sound film was this superb political satire where Chaplin pulls double duty onscreen, as an antisemitic fascist leader and his Jewish barber lookalike. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 Gooch, a seventies downtowner himself and the author of a sensitive biography of Frank O’Hara, is superb on the textures of these New York years, when a young artist seemingly couldn’t cross the street without getting ideas. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 Many superb musicians have made contributions to the church over the years, but arguably the person who has made the biggest mark on its music program is Bickers. Patrick Neas, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2024 But those trinkets come alive when worn by the actors, who are simply superb. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2024 Related article Erling Haaland and Manchester City lead nominations for this year’s Laureus Awards Luton did respond before the break, though, with Jordan Clark scoring a superb long-range effort which whistled into the top corner of the net in the 45th minute. Ben Church, CNN, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'superb.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin superbus excellent, proud, from super above + -bus (akin to Old English bēon to be) — more at over, be

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superb was in 1549

Dictionary Entries Near superb

Cite this Entry

“Superb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superb. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

superb

adjective
su·​perb su̇-ˈpərb How to pronounce superb (audio)
: outstandingly excellent, impressive, or beautiful
superb quality
was a superb pianist
superbly adverb
superbness noun

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