head and shoulders

adverb

Definition of head and shouldersnext
as in definitely
by a considerable margin a performance that was head and shoulders above all the others in the talent competition

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 head and shoulders Preliminary data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center shows Illinois leading the rankings across the country, head and shoulders above the traditional Tornado Alley areas of Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 While Knicks fans will remember the 2025-26 NBA season forever, there are a handful of moments that stand head and shoulders above the rest. — Mark Prussin, CBS News, 18 June 2026 Sumner barely escaped death; his head and shoulders were slashed to the bone. — Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026 Accessible rooms are available, putting this hotel head and shoulders above comparable historic properties. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for head and shoulders
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head and shoulders
  1. definitely
  2. far and away
  3. undoubtedly
Adverb
  • Issa doesn’t really want to sleep with Anton, and Anton definitely doesn’t want to sleep with Issa, but both of them do want to sleep with Paul Baker.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The video was definitely a hit, but for a parent, that much attention can bring mixed emotions, especially when some of the reactions include praise but others are not so kind.
    — Owen Carry, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of definitely
Adverb
  • For the first 10 months of fiscal 2026, Washington’s carrying costs grew an astounding 14%, from $846 to $963 billion versus the same period in FY 2025, far and away the biggest jump of any expense line item.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The United States is far and away the current leader of reusable launch, and virtually all new commercial rockets under development incorporate some aspect of reuse.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of far and away
Adverb
  • The glasses will continue to proliferate, undoubtedly, but establishments like Basement are holding the line.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026
  • First and foremost, undoubtedly our defence looks several degrees better with the addition of Trafford and Tariq.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of undoubtedly

Browse Nearby Words

headaches
head and shoulders
head case
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Head and shoulders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head%20and%20shoulders. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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