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 And somehow, all that wackiness has coalesced into a superb and consistently funny TV show, which made USA TODAY's list of the 10 best TV shows of 2025. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026 Cornish has been the pianist in the superb saxophonist Joshua Redman’s band since 2023. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026 Patterson had a superb season for an SFA defense that allowed an average of 129 passing yards per game. Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026 Gang Green’s defense was superb during Saleh’s tenure with the Jets. Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for superb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superb
Adjective
  • The German is an excellent all-round forward who excels in bringing the best out of the teammates around him.
    Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • While not every product in the brand’s SOS collection includes hypochlorous acid (an excellent anti-acneic ingredient), the serum does.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Thank you all for a wonderful discussion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The team Pep Guardiola built in the early 2010s, combining the wonderful passing of Xavi Hernandez and Andrés Iniesta with the twinkling magic of Lionel Messi, will forever be remembered.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Joseph orchestrated back-to-back top-flight defenses and is regarded widely as a terrific leader.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
  • As the camera glides in and around a roller-skating rink, where much of the action takes place, Decker and Shlesinger achieve and sustain a terrific balance of comic velocity and erotic languor.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • There are plenty of great restaurants, but alongside them disappointments.
    Kate Krader, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Another 2022 study from Rutgers University, focused on COVID-19 news, found that greater daily exposure to news about the virus was linked to higher same-day and next-day worry about the pandemic as well as feelings of hopelessness and general worry.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • From their first encounter, the fantastic Petrova holds her ground, playing Iris with assured pluckiness.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The restaurant Harvest is fantastic and jointly led by chefs John Amann and Chris Schuetta.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Her signature red curls were piled atop her head into an updo secured with a lovely headband.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 28 Jan. 2026
  • That insurance plays such a material role in shaping Simon’s dilemma is a lovely bit of mundanity.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Sean McDermott was super accommodating, (Texans head coach) DeMeco Ryans, awesome, Lincoln Riley, USC, Ryan Day at Ohio State, Billy O’Brien at Boston College.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Even beyond those special events, the live music here is awesome.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The brand makes fabulous leather bags.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Juicy wears a fabulous flower dress that frames her face beautifully.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Superb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superb. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on superb

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!