superb

adjective

su̇-ˈpərb How to pronounce superb (audio)
Definition of superbnext
as in excellent
of the very best kind the restaurant's baker makes a superb chocolate cake

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Michael offers a superb breakdown of various supplements, how to determine purity, and when to use them. — Diana Helmuth, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026 Those audiences can hear superb recordings at home, often at little or no cost. — David Woodard, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Malgorzata Szumowska, Michal Englert) Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn are superb as Anna and Fyodor Dostoevsky in Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s acerbic and joyful period film. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 Mehidy then produced a superb delivery that straightened past the bat of Beau Webster (5) and clipped the top of off stump to have Australia at 6-193, still trailing by 35 runs and with the tail exposed. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for superb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superb
  1. excellent
  2. wonderful
  3. terrific
  4. great
  5. fantastic
  6. lovely
  7. awesome
  8. fabulous
Adjective
  • Alas, this excellent advice goes into one of Joe’s ears and out the other.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Owls are predators whose eyes are positioned on the front of their heads, giving them excellent depth perception.
    — Abigail Witmer, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Nature aside, Cape Town boasts a wonderful juxtaposition of old world architecture and contemporary design across its vibrant neighborhoods.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Both films had wonderful ensembles, ingenious writing and an unmistakable sense of occasion.
    — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • To me, an important part about sports is the memories that continue for so long after the events, and these two columns by two terrific writers truly brought that home.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Loving spouses disappoint us, supportive parents fail us, close friends misunderstand us, and even terrific children create enormous stress.
    — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • But there may be little anyone–government or corporate–can do to persuade people to have children amid greater economic uncertainty.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • From travel dresses to a lightweight sweater, here are 14 items from Quince’s Workwear Edit that would look great on you on your next flight, starting at $20.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • The apocalypse isn’t frightening because of zombies or some fantastical creature.
    — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Mayer is the favorite to start at point guard, but Ertel looked fantastic on the trip and could push him.
    — CJ Moore, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of fantastic
Adjective
  • The cabin interiors are built from a lovely blonde wood, which was aesthetically pleasing, if a little creaky at times, while the white linens on the comfortable queen bed were a subtle reminder that this is a luxury accommodation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • McGraw gave a lovely tribute to Parton via social media this week.
    — David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of lovely
Adjective
  • And while the linebacker group is average, the secondary has a good foundation and the defensive line has enough depth and potential to be awesome.
    — Austin Mock, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • There is a decent chance the winner of the American League West could finish with a losing record, which would be a first in MLB history, 110 percent awesome, and worthy of its own banner.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of awesome
Adjective
  • Maybe someday, that will be fodder for a fabulous conversation on Ultimate Girls Trip.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Relaxed but fabulous, in the way that Aussies can pull off like no one else.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of fabulous

Browse Nearby Words

superannuated
superb
superbly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Superb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superb. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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