superpower

noun

su·​per·​pow·​er ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce superpower (audio)
Synonyms of superpowernext
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
c
: an extremely powerful company, organization, etc.
The retailer hoped to become a financial services superpowerPatricia Sellers
3
: a power or ability (such as the ability to become invisible or to fly) of the kind possessed by superheroes : a superhuman power
The comic book Ms. Marvel offers a Muslim-American girl from New Jersey who practices her faith while using her superpower to help people.Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The superpower I've always wished for is invisibility, and I chose my vocation accordingly. A novelist gets 140,000 words per one tiny author photo. That's a visibility ratio I can live with.Barbara Kingsolver
superpowered adjective

Examples of superpower in a Sentence

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.
While many look to China as an unassailable clean energy superpower, India’s electrification pathway may end up being even faster, according to a new report from climate think tank Ember, with big implications for the rest of the world. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026 Her ascent coincides with a shifting economic landscape, with new superpowers emerging. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026 While the duo has long wanted to work together on a project sans superpowers, Hemsworth admits in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that playing such wildly different characters presented unique challenges. Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Feb. 2026 When his old man George was running the show, the Yankees represented the sport’s signature superpower, no questions asked. Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for superpower

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of superpower was in 1849

Cite this Entry

“Superpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superpower. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

superpower

noun
su·​per·​pow·​er ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce superpower (audio)
: an extremely powerful nation

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