superpower

noun su·per·pow·er \ ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r \

|Updated on: 18 Aug 2018

Definition of superpower

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

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superpowered

play \ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)rd\ adjective

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Recent Examples of superpower from the Web

All this has left the United States as Mr Fu’s superpower protector.

— The Economist, "Xi’s world order: July 2024," 7 July 2018
The Soviet Union, a global superpower, disintegrated, and the specter of communism was exorcised from the continent.

— jonathan bradley, Billboard, "Dream Up the World You're Gonna Live In: How U2's 'Zooropa' Got the Future Wrong, 25 Years Later," 5 July 2018
Damascus Cover ends on a lightly cynical twist intended to critique the morally dubious backstage deal-making behind superpower spy games.

— stephen dalton, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Damascus Cover': Film Review," 4 July 2018
In the American League alone, where four superpowers (Yankees, Red Sox, Astros, Indians) have dominated, most teams will be looking to sell off parts.

— scott lauber, Philly.com, "Nationals series shows why Phillies can't stand pat before trade deadline | Extra Innings," 25 June 2018
Chelsea will face significant competition in their efforts to keep N'Golo Kante at Stamford Bridge this summer, as a whole host of European superpowers are queuing up to sign the two-time Premier League winner.

— SI.com, "Real Madrid Enter Battle With Barcelona & PSG to Sign Chelsea Star Who 'Supported Them as a Boy'," 24 June 2018
The Parr family finally learns what the original film’s audience knew about baby Jack-Jack’s superpower potential.

— sam machkovech, Ars Technica, "Incredibles 2 review: Brad Bird, Pixar are on fire with this superhero sequel," 15 June 2018
And at Dior Kim Jones flexed his new couture superpowers with an elegance that neither Vuitton nor Alyx could match.

— noah johnson, GQ, "Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Alyx Plot the Future of Menswear," 27 June 2018
But his superpower was his competitive drive, and in his own, smooth way, James has that, too.

— jerry brewer, chicagotribune.com, "Is LeBron James the GOAT? Forget the debate. It's asking the wrong question.," 9 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'superpower.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.