Definition of superbnext

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 atmosphere in Mexico City was incredible, Julian Quinones was superb and Raul Jimenez’s goal was a reminder of the emotional weight the World Cup carries. Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026 The first was a beautiful crosser to Ramy Rabia, who headed the ball but was stopped on a superb save from Australia’s Patrick Beach. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026 Watson plays superb defense, using his speed, and excellent reactions to track down balls. Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Hides, horns and tusks, cases of superb custom rifles and shotguns that dreams are made of. John Madson, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for superb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superb
Adjective
  • Rocket is known for its excellent customer service and easy-to-use website and mobile app.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 13 July 2026
  • Bagworm is excellent and I am thrilled Oscilloscope will be bringing this cinematic fever dream to a theater near you.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • The resort provides a hiking guide—Nafea Abdeljalil was wonderful—and of course transport.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
  • Izzy, a vulnerable, dry-humored lesbian, played with a hummingbird intensity by the wonderful Molly Bernard, marvels that the experience is hard to describe to anyone who hasn’t been through it, like sharing a dream.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • Hargrave then had three terrific seasons in Philadelphia, where Jonathan Gannon — the Packers’ defensive coordinator — was the Eagles’ coordinator for two years.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Kuechly, Rivera and Newton teamed up on the terrific Panthers teams of the 2010s.
    Scott Fowler July 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Naturally, minds will go back to 1986, when Argentina beat England 2-1 and Diego Maradona scored arguably the greatest World Cup goal of all-time.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • And the greatest Golden Boot chase in World Cup history as greats Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Haaland and Kane rose like giants.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
Adjective
  • Through their fantastical ordeals, the X-Men illustrate qualities that inspire viewers, young and old.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Kylian Mbappé made a fantastic run down the left side and into the box before he was fouled by Noussair Mazraoui, resulting in a penalty for France.
    Joe Murphy, NBC news, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • The acoustics are much changed, but audiences probably will notice the improved seating and lovely lighting even more.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2026
  • That’s a lovely, melancholy sentiment Star City uses to deliver a season-best episode full of character moments that feel properly FAM.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • Amazon’s Deals of the Day are basically a giant cheat code for this, dropping awesome entertainment gear to rock-bottom prices.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 July 2026
  • Also, just to be a part of something that’s bigger than myself has been really awesome.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • As far as tech goes, there’s a 65-inch Samsung smart television with streaming capabilities and a Marshall speaker with quite a fabulous sound system at the marble work desk.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2026
  • There’s so many interactions between us and fabulous accidents that just happen.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Superb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superb. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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