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 Constructed with cast iron, the skillet offers superb heat retention and evenly distributes heat to properly cook your meals, bakes, and more each time. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025 Bose Headphone Deal The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Headphones cocoon your ears and deliver superb sound. PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025 Luxury cruises generally have the most spacious cabins (many with balconies), excellent on-board dining, a low passenger-to-crew ratio, and superb customer service and guides. Jordan Harvey, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025 Timothée Chalamet’s career-best performance — he was born to play this guy — with a tremendous Odessa A’Zion leading a superb supporting cast. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for superb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superb
Adjective
  • The Steelers will have an opportunity to get back on track against an excellent Green Bay Packers squad next Sunday, before playing the Indianapolis Colts two days before the NFL trade deadline.
    Jon Conahan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • That’s because tipping isn’t in their culture, but Americans still might wish to add gratuity for excellent service.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • She's been gone for over 20 years, and so to win this for a soap opera, playing a villain, is really wonderful.
    Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Some, like the two headlining Christie’s upcoming Rare Watches auction in Geneva, have wonderful horological anomalies that set them apart from more run-of-the-mill references.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But George has been terrific with us, putting him in different spots, different positions.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Boyd is a terrific guy, amazing actor, super sweet.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • To finish third after struggling to get in contention through sprint qualifying and the sprint race, and given the bumpy demands of the Circuit of The Americas that may have fanned concerns about Ferrari’s ride height issues from earlier in the season, this was a fantastic effort by Leclerc.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • This is also fantastic with wavy potato chips and pretzel sticks.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Given these complex three-way dynamics, Delhi will likely continue to upgrade ties to the Taliban regime, and support its efforts to gain greater independence from Pakistani influence.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Reese had some great tunes for her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Regardless, Jones should still be a significant part of the rotation — his excellent field goal percentage and contributions in assists and steals are quite lovely.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Undermining the existing system for partisan ends won’t make the picture look any lovelier.
    Michael Hiltzik, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • On our campus, Bobbi Acosta, our (assistant principal), and principal Juan Gonzalez have been more than awesome.
    John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • That was an awesome couple of months.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Merkins were first developed in 1450, per the Oxford Companion to the Body, and were created so that women could shave off pubic lice without sacrificing that fabulous bush.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
  • From slim soccer trainers to extra-chunky styles, the decade was filled with a whole variety of options that remain as fabulous as ever.
    Renata Joffre, Glamour, 19 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Superb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superb. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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!