superlative

1 of 2

adjective

su·​per·​la·​tive su̇-ˈpər-lə-tiv How to pronounce superlative (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or constituting the degree of grammatical comparison that denotes an extreme or unsurpassed level or extent
2
a
: surpassing all others : supreme
b
: of very high quality : excellent
superlative work
3
superlatively adverb
superlativeness noun

superlative

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: the superlative degree of comparison in a language
b
: a superlative form of an adjective or adverb
2
: the superlative or utmost degree of something : acme
3
: a superlative person or thing
4
: an admiring sometimes exaggerated expression especially of praise

Did you know?

Superlative may sound high-flown when compared with a synonym like outstanding, but if your next paper comes back from your teacher with the comment "Superlative work!" at the top you probably won't complain. Since superlative means "best, greatest", it makes sense that superlative is also a term used in grammar for the highest degree of comparison. So for the adjective simple, for example, the comparative form is simpler and the superlative form is simplest; and for the adverb boldly, the comparative form is more boldly and the superlative is most boldly.

Examples of superlative in a Sentence

Adjective The superlative form of “nice” is “nicest”; the superlative form of “bad” is “worst”; the superlative form of “interesting” is “most interesting.” the New England town meeting is a superlative example of grassroots democracy Noun “Simplest” is the superlative of “simple.”
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.
Adjective
This uncut, unfiltered whiskey clocks in at 126 proof and is a superlative example of Kentucky-style rye that expertly balances notes of sweetness and spice. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 June 2025 Part of the United States’ brilliant nineteenth-century strategy was also its superlative domestic economic policy, combining Low Taxes with a very business-friendly regulatory framework. Nathan Lewis, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
Their yearbook superlatives were Most Likely to Win the White House, Cure Cancer, Open a Michelin-Starred Restaurant and Join the Forbes 400, respectively. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 6 June 2025 Read on for the cheapest, craziest, most unique festivals on the circuit this year—find the superlative that speaks to you and mark your calendars. Sophie Liza Cannon, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for superlative

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English superlatif, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin superlativus, from Latin superlatus (past participle of superferre to carry over, raise high), from super- + latus, past participle of ferre to carry — more at tolerate, bear

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of superlative was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Superlative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superlative. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

superlative

1 of 2 adjective
su·​per·​la·​tive su̇-ˈpər-lət-iv How to pronounce superlative (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being the form of an adjective or adverb that shows the highest or lowest degree of comparison
2
: better than all others : supreme
superlatively adverb

superlative

2 of 2 noun
1
: the superlative degree or a superlative form in a language
2
: the superlative or utmost degree of something
3
: a superlative person or thing

More from Merriam-Webster on superlative

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