superlative 1 of 2

adjective

su̇-ˈpər-lə-tiv How to pronounce superlative (audio)
Definition of superlativenext
as in excellent
of the very best kind the New England town meeting is a superlative example of grassroots democracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

superlative

2 of 2

noun

as in exaggeration

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 superlative
Adjective
Leica may be best known for making stills-only rangefinders, but that didn't stop it from loading the SL3-P up with a superlative video engine. — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026 The president continues to make superlative statements about his health and negotiating abilities. — Catherine Lucey, Fortune, 13 June 2026
Noun
But Korda's surge in Southern California is her latest superlative in a year already featuring three wins, three second-place finishes and a spot atop the world rankings in her first seven starts. — ABC News, 6 June 2026 More state superlatives Munster senior outfielder Nate Southwell is leading the state with 45 RBIs. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for superlative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superlative
  1. excellent
  2. exaggeration
  3. superb
  4. hyperbole
  5. wonderful
  6. magnification
  7. terrific
  8. elaboration
Adjective
  • Edoya, where brushes have been made by hand since 1718, is around the corner, and Nexpect, an excellent specialty coffee shop, is a short walk away.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Namely stage 13 when the race split into pieces, Tom Pidcock climbed back up the GC, Pedersen had to make a desperate attempt to reach Philipsen up the road to defend green, and the excellent Mauro Schmid got the victory his talent deserves.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of excellent
Noun
  • In her Tinker Bell costume, Ashley seems as thirsty for a peach as Shamea is, reveling in the opportunity to tell her side of the story but obviously sprinkling her own fairy dust of exaggeration into the narrative.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • Art to me is a way to find beauty behind the lies and exaggerations.
    — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of exaggeration
Adjective
  • There are some superb central defenders who have not made our list, which just highlights the level Vidic reached.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Small is a superb route runner, while Everhart is the type of athlete who can turn a jet sweep or bubble screen into a chunk play.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 July 2026
Definition of superb
Noun
  • Her legal team claims these allegations are false, and her comments are protected opinion or rhetorical hyperbole.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 July 2026
  • A lot of that discourse, including what will be depicted as news in media stories about the negotiations, is noise and hyperbole.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of hyperbole
Adjective
  • Start with the escargot, which pack a wonderful buttery, garlicky punch, each bite topped with a perfect, tiny puff pastry.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The combination of David’s wonderful scripts, Lenny back directing on the BBC, Element Pictures producing, and Claire and Mathew leading our cast is a real gift.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Definition of wonderful
Noun
  • Our expert reviewer gave the Canon 18x50 IS binoculars four stars and called them 'stargazing ready' thanks to their high 18x magnification and image-stabilization.
    — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 20 July 2026
  • The update also adds some customization options to Widgets, a more precise magnification tool, and improved stability with certain Bluetooth devices.
    — Emma Roth, The Verge, 14 July 2026
Definition of magnification
Adjective
  • After a terrific collegiate career, Stanek was chosen by the Tampa Bay Rays with the 29th pick in the 1st round of the 2113 MLB draft.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The ancho chili Caesar salad is a terrific appetizer to share, as are both types of shrimp aguachile verde.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of terrific
Noun
  • Co-owner Gary Worden confirmed the report without much elaboration.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • Lodged among these fiery complaints, the declaration’s single grievance about taxation — unadorned by elaboration or explanation — seems almost tepid.
    — Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of elaboration

Browse Nearby Words

superjets
superlative
superlatively
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Cite this Entry

“Superlative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superlative. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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