supermajority

noun

su·​per·​ma·​jor·​i·​ty ˈsü-pər-mə-ˌjȯr-ə-tē How to pronounce supermajority (audio)
-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
The company, for instance, has a supermajority clause in its articles of incorporation; 80% of the shareholders must approve any sale or merger.Joshua Hyatt

Examples of supermajority in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This, Warden said, should invalidate the $22 million payment in 2021 because the creation of the bonds required approval by a supermajority of residents. Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 14 June 2025 In deep blue Illinois, with Gov. JB Pritzker maybe preparing to run for president in 2028, the Democratic supermajority has failed to pass comprehensive ethics reform. Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 The House Republican Caucus offered similar alternatives, but sadly, the Democratic supermajority rejected them in both chambers and in the end pushed through the largest tax hike in state history. Justin Ready, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025 Regardless of the outcome with HB 163, its advancement is one of many recent examples demonstrating that regulation-boosting bills can garner interest in the bluest states, as well as those where the GOP has a legislative supermajority. Patrick Gleason, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for supermajority

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of supermajority was in 1915

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Cite this Entry

“Supermajority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supermajority. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Legal Definition

supermajority

noun
su·​per·​ma·​jor·​i·​ty ˈsü-pər-mə-ˌjȯr-ə-tē How to pronounce supermajority (audio)
: a large majority
a provision requiring a supermajority vote — say, 80 % of the common shares instead of the usual bare majority ruleR. C. Clark
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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