superpower

noun

su·​per·​pow·​er ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

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 superpower …

—Patricia 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 Fantastic Four first appeared in November 1961, originating with four friends who journeyed to space to thwart the Russians from getting there first. They were overwhelmed by a menacing radiation cloud and their molecular structure was altered, giving each of them superpowers.

—Laura Mattoon D'Amore

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

ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)rd 

adjective

Examples of superpower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, their fresh perspective, general enthusiasm and tech fluency can be superpowers that breathe new life into an organization. —Jill Shedek, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

New Delhi does not want a world in which Washington is perpetually the sole superpower. —Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025

Are rain delays the NASCAR Chicago Street Race’s superpower? —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025

But watching a normal human trying to grapple with having superpowers? —Marta Balaga, Variety, 14 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for superpower

• candlepower
• cauliflower
• overpower
• vavasour
• waterpower
• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower

Kids Definition

superpower

noun

su·​per·​pow·​er ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: an extremely powerful nation