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.
While his “Fernwood Tonight” segments with the incomparable Fred Willard are still really funny, it’s the paintings that stand out.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2026
“We have yet had no genius in America, with tyrannous eye, which knew the value of our incomparable materials,” Emerson declaimed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
At the place where she won her seven singles and six women's doubles titles, Williams showed signs of her incomparable talent and could have earned a sensational win against 20-year-old Joint.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026
And on that basis, what he’s doing is incomparable to the many capital renewals of his predecessors.
From Slate ● May 18, 2026
One was clear bright steel, merging a little way back into those subtle shadow-colors, but steel of an incomparable sharpness.
From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
