superpower

[ soo-per-pou-er ]

noun

1. an extremely powerful nation, especially one capable of influencing international events and the acts and policies of less powerful nations.
2. power pow power greater in scope or magnitude than that which is considered natural or has previously existed.
3. power, pow, power, especially mechanical or electric power, pow, power, on an extremely large scale secured by the linking together of a number of separate power pow power systems, with a view to more efficient and economical generation and distribution.

superpower

/ ˈsuːpəˌpaʊə /

noun

1. an extremely powerful state, such as the US
2. extremely high power, esp electrical or mechanical

Derived Forms

• ˈsuperˌpowered, adjective

Other Words From

• super·powered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of superpower¹

First recorded in 1920–25; super- + power

Example Sentences

The biggest relative gain would be in solar—no surprise, since China has spent the last several years building itself into the world’s leading solar superpower.

From Quartz

This morning, Fortune reveals its 2020 Change the World list—more than 50 companies that are using their corporate superpowers to address major social problems.

From Fortune

Our Change the World list and the related CEO Initiative, which was conceived at an historic meeting in Vatican City four years ago, have encouraged companies to use their superpowers to address the most pressing needs of society.

From Fortune

Today, the social media platform broadcasts everyone’s messages, including individuals, Fortune 500 companies, and even global superpowers.

From Search Engine Watch

I think it’s kind of like a superpower, you can know what’s going on in someone’s mind.

From Freakonomics

Human vision is as close as we mere mortals will ever come to having a genuine superpower.

From The Daily Beast

Yet even as the Germans wallowed in bitter self-pity, another defeated superpower underwent a dramatic turnaround.

From The Daily Beast

How does one punish the autocratic, omnipotent president of a quasi-superpower?

From The Daily Beast

Now that we were the only superpower in the world, it said, our main job was to make damn sure things stayed that way.

From The Daily Beast

The mismatch in superpower military strength in the region is eye opening.

From The Daily Beast

It is not inconceivable that our so-called superpower status could be defeated in battle by a crafty and well-prepared adversary.

From Project Gutenberg

Bob was himself practically unconscious, but struggled to keep himself and Bill afloat as if under some superpower.

From Project Gutenberg

Through such beginnings as these projected superpower systems must come the comprehensive integration of the industry.

From Project Gutenberg

The plan of the Superpower Commission regards coal—bituminous coal especially—as nothing more than fuel.

From Project Gutenberg

As a result of the survey of this region, engineers have worked out what is called the Superpower Plan.

From Project Gutenberg