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 Often threatening to drown in a generalized wetness, the play benefits immensely from the detail and discipline of Birney’s superb performance. Jesse Green, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2023 Instead, the chefs deftly apply techniques used to make their superb noodle soup to each dish. Elazar Sontag, Bon Appétit, 13 Sep. 2023 The Dream got a big boost by signing Gray, a superb 3-and-D guard, in the offseason. Ethan Fuller, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Sep. 2023 Dodgers shortstop Kiké Hernández made a superb backhand snag of Tatis’ 111-mph one-hopper and fired to second baseman Mookie Betts to start a double play to end the third. Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2023 Baker and her director, the superb and unshowy James Macdonald, share a grasp of tempo and dynamic so assured and expertly patient that your heartbeat at the end of Infinite Life’s intermission-less hour and three-quarters may well belie the fact that no one onstage has ever raised their voice. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2023 Those hush puppies are superb, with a tender, sweet crumb beneath a crisp golden brown crust. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2023 The dress’s detailing is superb with slits on the sleeve right where the rapper’s hand is. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 12 Sep. 2023 Hewson and Gordon-Levitt are superb, as are the songs. Odie Henderson, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Sep. 2023 See More

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 3 Oct. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on superb

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