supermajority

noun

su·​per·​ma·​jor·​i·​ty ˈsü-pər-mə-ˌjȯr-ə-tē 

-ˌjär-

plural supermajorities

: a majority (such as two-thirds or three-fifths) that is greater than a simple majority

treaty ratification requires a supermajority

Furthermore, it is about even money that soon after Congress convenes in January it will … approve a constitutional amendment to require supermajorities (three-fifths) in both houses of Congress to approve deficit spending.

—George F. Will

The company, for instance, has a supermajority clause in its articles of incorporation; 80% of the shareholders must approve any sale or merger.

—Joshua Hyatt

Examples of supermajority in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the supermajority Republican state, the primary on August 20 will determine whether the state's recent shift towards more hardline conservative policies will grow or reach its peak. —Cy Neff, USA TODAY, 30 July 2024

Caulkins frets there is little relief in sight with Democrats holding the supermajority in the Illinois General Assembly. —Glenn Minnis | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Aug. 2024

The constitutional amendment would face an even tougher road: ratification by a supermajority of Congress and three-fourths of the states. —Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 July 2024

In a state House of Representatives dominated by Republicans who hold a supermajority, Democrats are looking to hang onto an open Osceola County seat. —Ryan Gillespie, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

supermajority

noun

su·​per·​ma·​jor·​i·​ty ˈsü-pər-mə-ˌjȯr-ə-tē 

: a large majority

a provision requiring a supermajority vote — say, 80 % of the common shares instead of the usual bare majority rule

—R. C. Clark