supermajority
noun
su·per·ma·jor·i·ty
ˈsü-pər-mə-ˌjȯr-ə-tē 
-ˌjär-
plural supermajorities
: a majority (such as two-thirds or three-fifths) that is greater than a simple majority
treaty ratification requires a supermajority
Furthermore, it is about even money that soon after Congress convenes in January it will … approve a constitutional amendment to require supermajorities (three-fifths) in both houses of Congress to approve deficit spending.—
George F. Will
George F. WillThe company, for instance, has a supermajority clause in its articles of incorporation; 80% of the shareholders must approve any sale or merger.—Joshua Hyatt
Joshua HyattExamples of supermajority in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Democrats, with their supermajority, can also override the governor’s vetoes.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Democrats proposed a comprehensive affordability agenda, but the bills were completely shut down by the Republican supermajority.
—Jayden D'onofrio, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
Because neither chamber came close to a veto-proof supermajority, Kelly’s support or opposition could be the deciding factor in whether the bill becomes law.
—Matthew Kelly
updated April 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
The mayor has since demoted Brewer from board chair and seeks to remove him as operating chairman as well, but the soonest Johnson can wield the supermajority likely required to fire Pettigrew for cause would be this summer.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for supermajority
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Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Democrats proposed a comprehensive affordability agenda, but the bills were completely shut down by the Republican supermajority.
—Jayden D'onofrio, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
Because neither chamber came close to a veto-proof supermajority, Kelly’s support or opposition could be the deciding factor in whether the bill becomes law.
—Matthew Kelly
updated April 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
The mayor has since demoted Brewer from board chair and seeks to remove him as operating chairman as well, but the soonest Johnson can wield the supermajority likely required to fire Pettigrew for cause would be this summer.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for supermajority
Cite this Entry
“Supermajority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supermajority. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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supermajority
noun
su·per·ma·jor·i·ty
ˈsü-pər-mə-ˌjȯr-ə-tē
: a large majority
a provision requiring a supermajority vote — say, 80 % of the common shares instead of the usual bare majority rule—R. C. Clark
R. C. ClarkLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
