elite 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of elitenext
as in exclusive

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elite

2 of 2

noun

i-ˈlēt How to pronounce elite (audio)
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nobility
the highest class in a society the country's elite owned or controlled most of the wealth

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of elite
Adjective
That means that he really should be considered an elite starter. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 Without college programs, Harris says, the potential elite athletes in a sport move on to other things. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
That accounts for an offense that hit for power, average and took their walks, and a defense that was great to elite at every spot on the diamond. — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 The gruesome 2023 murder of Choi, who rubbed shoulders with showbiz elites at fashion events and had a significant online following, sent shockwaves through the wealthy financial hub and made global headlines. — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elite
  1. exclusive
  2. aristocracy
  3. nobility
  4. special
  5. best
  6. gentry
  7. better
  8. top
Adjective
  • Gucci is the newest Sentinel Sponsor and exclusive fashion partner for the Albies, joining sponsors Charlotte Tilbury Beauty and Microsoft.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Subscribers who purchase an S2000 standalone unit or any S2000 bundle between 7 and 13 October, 2026 will receive an exclusive reward package comprising a free Car Charger, Waterproof Bag, and 4-Piece Outdoor Gift Pack, valued at A$1,098.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of exclusive
Noun
  • Of course, one entertainer who isn’t in that category would seem to be a natural fit for Arrowhead — the one who has married into Kansas City’s aristocracy.
    — Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The ‘Baronessa’ was Venetian aristocracy and lived in a vast rococo palace with Guardis and Canalettos in the drawing room.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of aristocracy
Noun
  • There’s a nobility in providing some fan service to help immerse Oasis devotees who could not afford the outrageous ticket prices to attend the tour.
    — Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Working as a portraitist, she was commissioned by university scholars and local nobility in Bologna, the Italian city where she was born.
    — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of nobility
Adjective
  • In the art context, institutions like Art Basel continue to craft special rules to accommodate the new money that only emerging markets like crypto seem able to supply.
    — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • An ever-changing lineup of special Balinese cultural experiences is also part of the private club deal.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of special
Noun
  • Pugh’s performance is a master class in physicality and flair, one of her career bests.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2026
  • But for the second straight week, Kelce had game-bests in receptions and receiving yards as the Chiefs beat the Colts 33-30 in overtime Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of best
Noun
  • When it was closed down in 1539, its treasures, books and relics were seized and its lands and buildings sold off, some to local nobles and gentry, some to the town authorities of Bury.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Parker will play Mary Washington, George’s strong willed mother, while Rodgers will play Sally Cary, the charming beauty of the Virginia gentry who first sees his potential.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of gentry
Adjective
  • Which is why better hiring begins with three ways of protecting ourselves against both.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • By better understanding how the AAC organizes vocal output in budgerigars, researchers hope to gain new insights into human speech disorders, such as aphasia and Parkinson’s disease, which can impair a person’s ability to produce language.
    — Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of better
Noun
  • Instead of using a conventional crane capable of reaching the top of the tower, the company used a telescoping tower design.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Waiting at the top is a life-changing jackpot, to share with whoever makes it there.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of top

Browse Nearby Words

elisions
elite
elites
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Cite this Entry

“Elite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elite. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about elite

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