incomparable
Americanadjective
-
beyond comparison; matchless or unequaled.
incomparable beauty.
- Synonyms:
- inimitable, unrivaled, peerless
-
not comparable; incapable of being compared to each other, as two unlike objects or qualities, or to one or more others.
adjective
-
beyond or above comparison; matchless; unequalled
-
lacking a basis for comparison; not having qualities or features that can be compared
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of incomparable
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Latin word incomparābilis. See in- 3, comparable
Explanation
Something incomparable cannot be compared to anything else. Incomparable is usually a compliment for people and achievements that are extraordinary. When we compare things, we notice similarities and differences between them. However, when something is incomparable, comparison is impossible because what you're talking about is so amazing. You might say that the paintings of Picasso are incomparable masterpieces or that the Grand Canyon is an incomparable sight. People do tend to exaggerate, but this word should be reserved for the truly outstanding.
Vocabulary lists containing incomparable
Letters to a Young Poet
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"Wilderness Letter"
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The Turn of the Screw
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And on that basis, what he’s doing is incomparable to the many capital renewals of his predecessors.
From Slate ● May 18, 2026
Our everyman is Ben Reilly — played by the incomparable Nicolas Cage, making his live-action television debut — a private investigator who moonlights as the city’s only superhero, the Spider.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2026
The movie will tell the "incredible story of the magnificent, incomparable" dancer and singer, its producers said at the Cannes Film Festival, which starts Tuesday.
From Barron's ● May 12, 2026
Some campaigners describe the site as an "incomparable haven" for nature, with more than 1,000 invertebrate species found there - including at least 99 of conservation concern.
From BBC ● May 3, 2026
Nick is the storyteller with incomparable access to his story.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
