Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective superb contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of superb are glorious, gorgeous, resplendent, splendid, and sublime. While all these words mean "extraordinarily or transcendently impressive," superb suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree.

her singing was superb

When is it sensible to use glorious instead of superb?

While in some cases nearly identical to superb, glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

When might gorgeous be a better fit than superb?

The words gorgeous and superb can be used in similar contexts, but gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

When would resplendent be a good substitute for superb?

In some situations, the words resplendent and superb are roughly equivalent. However, resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

When is splendid a more appropriate choice than superb?

While the synonyms splendid and superb are close in meaning, splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

When can sublime be used instead of superb?

The synonyms sublime and superb are sometimes interchangeable, but sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

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 superb The solo play, starring Tony Award-winning actor John Rubinstein in a superb performance, opened Saturday at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Oct. 2025 Take to the slopes by day, and spend your evenings in town, walking the car-free Corsa Italia before thawing out in one of the superb pizzerias. Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 27 Oct. 2025 Throw in the superb tension and pitch-perfect performances, and there’s no question that India Opzoomer is a director to watch. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025 The level of pop craftsmanship remains superb throughout, too, in 14 songs that somehow manage to keep the emotions feeling utterly raw at every turn, even as the music itself is anything but. Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for superb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superb
Adjective
  • This is where the Greenpoint comes from, an excellent neo-classic riff on a Manhattan that was invented at Milk & Honey in New York, and comprises the classic build of Manhattan—rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters—into which has been spliced the inimitable French herbal liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The Jayhawks did an excellent job of getting back in transition, limiting Louisville’s fast-break opportunities.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And so for me, baseball is a wonderful place to leave everything, all the mess that the world is in, behind, and just watch these incredibly talented people exceed and do their jobs.
    Alison Weinflash, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Scientists have long known that dogs make wonderful companions, offering emotional support and even measurable health benefits to their human owners.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Shaheed is a terrific deep threat who will absolutely provide quarterback Sam Darnold with another dependable option in the aerial attack and will make the Seahawks' offense that much more dangerous.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The Montana ski area is known for being a terrific spring-skiing spot, with the season’s best conditions coming in March and April.
    Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • WeRide is a member of this year’s Future 50, Fortune’s annual ranking of companies with the greatest potential for growth.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • After looking over the latest update from Jim Bowden, the odds of Bregman staying with the Red Sox are not looking too great currently.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Caroline Carlson is the author of funny and fantastical books for young readers.
    Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Rojas’ play in the ninth was fantastic, but then Andy Pages one-upped him with a leaping catch on Ernie Clement’s long drive to left-center while colliding with Kiké Hernández.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Tender, fresh okra and holy trinity pepper, onions, and celery add a lovely contrast of texture while contributing pops of color.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The movie’s narrative [spoilers ahead] revolves around the lovely circus aerialist Cleopatra, who romantically pursues little person Hans, a performer in the sideshow.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Buzelis was awesome in preseason, for what that’s worth, and his 21-point, three-block performance in the opening night win over Detroit included several highlight-worthy clips.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • While Plymouth may be known for turkey dinners and the Pilgrims, its food scene has evolved into an awesome melting pot embracing global cuisine.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The piece also serves as a fabulous decorative vase.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Zell and the president of the Zell family office EGI, Mark Sotir, would push Swain to arrange transactions that raised the bar for capturing a share of the profits, but gave the management teams an even bigger score for fabulous results.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Superb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superb. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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