superb
Americanadjective
-
admirably fine or excellent; extremely good.
a superb performance.
-
sumptuous; rich; grand.
superb jewels.
- Synonyms:
- elegant
-
of a proudly imposing appearance or kind; majestic.
superb mountain vistas.
adjective
-
surpassingly good; excellent
a superb actor
-
majestic or imposing
a superb mansion
-
magnificently rich; luxurious
the jubilee was celebrated with a superb banquet
Synonym Usage
See magnificent.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of superb
First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin superbus “proud, superior, excellent,” equivalent to super- super- + -bus adjectival suffix (akin to be )
Explanation
The movie far surpassed expectations. It was superb. That 5-star hotel? Also superb. Anything that goes beyond being great can be called superb. Start by noticing that superb contains super, and you're more than halfway to remembering its meaning. The only real difference between super and superb (besides the letter "b") is that something superb is surprisingly or especially excellent. A taco that tastes great might be super. But if it's among the very best tacos you've ever eaten, it's superb. Dinner tonight? Super! How was dinner? It was superb!
Vocabulary lists containing superb
Thumbs Up: Synonyms for "Good"
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A Single Shard
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"Frederick Douglass"
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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.
First, Taofifenua's superb finish in the corner extended Montpellier's lead, and Lenni Nouchi then powered over as the French side put one hand on the trophy.
From BBC • May 22, 2026
Director Margaret Brown follows up her superb four-part series from last year, about a multiple homicide in Texas in 1991, with a fifth episode on the subsequent solving of the crime.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
He told him: "May I say, well done in the Americas. You were superb, absolutely superb, put that little ratbag in his place."
From BBC • May 11, 2026
If Ford came out with a great car design or Boeing with a superb airliner, they needed to invest in factories to keep up with demand.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026
"She told me about the debate team. Anna is a superb debater. You'll be glad to have her."
From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins
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.
