Synonyms of elite

elite 1 of 2

adjective

as in exclusive

Related Words

• exclusive
• special
• better
• exceptional
• high-grade
• first-class
• superior
• fancy
• outstanding
• premium
• excellent
• top
• prime
• superlative
• transcendent
• unsurpassed
• superb
• stellar
• noble
• splendid
• classic
• par excellence
• sterling
• top-notch
• first-rate
• sensational
• wonderful
• terrific
• great
• grand
• fabulous
• marvelous
• supernal
• tip-top
• elegant
• jewellike
• select
• exquisite
• rare
• bijou
• choice
• dainty
• ultrarare
• recherché
• fine
• delicate

Dissimilar Words

• commercial
• popular
• coarse
• uncultured
• gross
• vulgar
• ordinary
• uncultivated
• unrefined
• raffish
• rough
• tasteless
• unpolished
• common
• kitschy
• average
• lowbrow
• lesser
• mediocre
• kitsch
• second-class
• rough-hewn
• inferior
• second-rate
• mass-produced
• unacceptable
• wanting
• low-grade
• substandard
• deficient
• unsatisfactory
• run-of-the-mill
• run-of-the-mine

elite

2 of 2

noun

i-ˈlēt 

1

as in aristocracy

individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class

the winners of this science award represent the elite of our high schools

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aristocracy
• best
• top
• society
• elect
• A-list
• royalty
• cream
• priesthood
• flower
• illuminati
• Hall of Fame
• prime
• choice
• pride
• pink
• upper crust
• cream of the crop
• establishment
• nobility
• quality
• crème de la crème
• fat
• corps d'elite
• gentry
• pick
• upper class
• caviar
• top drawer
• who's who

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• masses
• commoners
• millions
• herd
• mob
• multitude
• rank and file
• unwashed
• hoi polloi

2

as in nobility

the highest class in a society

the country's elite owned or controlled most of the wealth

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aristocracy
• nobility
• gentry
• patriciate
• upper class
• gentlefolk
• society
• gentility
• upper crust
• quality
• A-list
• glitterati
• café society
• plutocracy
• beautiful people
• jet set
• Four Hundred
• haut monde
• carriage trade
• beau monde

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• proletariat
• proletarians
• (the) people
• commoners
• peasantry
• (the) public
• plebeians
• (the) crowd
• plebs
• (the) masses
• bourgeoisie
• (the) populace
• rank and file
• peonage
• middle class
• working class
• rabble
• dregs
• (the) herd
• scum
• (the) mob
• riffraff
• trash
• rabblement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of elite

Adjective

Marathon world record holder Ruth Chepng'etich is serving a three-year doping ban after joining the many elite-level Kenyan runners suspended over the past decade. — ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

Bills quarterback Josh Allen appeared as elite as ever with two passing TDs and two rushing TDs in a 36-31 win over the Houston Texans, whose defense was arguably the NFL’s best last year. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 15 Sep. 2026

Noun

For the first time in a long time, the Chiefs have an elite running back in place. — Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

In 2017, he was appointed secretary general of Russia’s national boxing federation, which has become closely connected with powerful members of the Kremlin elite. — ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026