Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective superb contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of superb are glorious, gorgeous, resplendent, splendid, and sublime. While all these words mean "extraordinarily or transcendently impressive," superb suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree.

her singing was superb

When is it sensible to use glorious instead of superb?

While in some cases nearly identical to superb, glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

When might gorgeous be a better fit than superb?

The words gorgeous and superb can be used in similar contexts, but gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

When would resplendent be a good substitute for superb?

In some situations, the words resplendent and superb are roughly equivalent. However, resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

When is splendid a more appropriate choice than superb?

While the synonyms splendid and superb are close in meaning, splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

When can sublime be used instead of superb?

The synonyms sublime and superb are sometimes interchangeable, but sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of superb It’s solidly built with a superb mount, set at the perfect seat post angle. Caramel Quin, Wired News, 5 June 2025 It's clad in 297 polished stainless-steel panels – each requiring over 100 hours of polishing – and culminates in a rooftop viewing platform and canopy offering superb views of the area. Adam Williams may 26, New Atlas, 26 May 2025 Finney-Smith would be a superb 3-and-D starting power forward if Jarrett Allen is traded and the Cavaliers move Mobley to center. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025 Cheung and Francis are superb, as is Moses Villarama as Bo’s buddy, Virgil, who sees his own sorrow bearing down on him, inevitable and enveloping, like the blizzard outside. Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for superb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superb
Adjective
  • Greenery also makes an excellent addition to a resortcore space.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2025
  • This is an excellent time to invest, pitch a creative idea or spruce up your portfolio.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • The English cook and writer’s 2006 book is a heartfelt hymn for wonderful food and flavors, without hours spent toiling in the kitchen or overly formal settings.
    Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 7 June 2025
  • My 10-year-old avocado grown from seed produced two wonderful fruits last year.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • With no wind or other elements for the players to confront, both produced some terrific tennis for stretches.
    Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
  • Esquivel didn’t allow an earned run in a terrific game-one performance against Lovejoy.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • End of first period: Panthers 3, Edmonton 0 Anton Lundell scored off a fantastic Carter Verhaeghe forecheck and assist with 41.7 seconds left in the first period to give the Panthers a fat 3-0 lead after the first period.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
  • Warmest condolences to his family, friends and, so importantly, his fantastic legion of FANS!!!
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • No putt was more important than his 20-foot par putt up the ridge on No. 9 to finish off a great round the right way.
    Doug Ferguson, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
  • The idea was to allow developers to build more profitable market-rate apartments using greater height and density while providing financial support to balance out the lower rents for workforce tenants.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Trailing types make a lovely ground cover at the edge of a rain garden.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
  • Nini Berndt makes lovely work of this bruise-writing, the kind of devastation that leaves you with your fist pressed to your lips, aching hard for everyone involved.
    Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Paul hit an awesome Asai Moonsault on Jey Uso through a table, so Jey will walk into Raw’s world title match against Gunther even more banged up.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Teresi continued his role as an awesome do-it-all player Saturday.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Randy Breed: Mixed Age: 10 months Randy is a fabulous guy who navigates the world around him with charisma and positive energy, despite being deaf.
    Trish Stinger, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
  • The film is notable for a dodge ball scene that goes disgustingly awry, a long gay kiss — an unheard-of smooch in 1981 — between Andrew and a bully, and for Arngrim’s goth-twink fabulous costumes, including the silkiest cape.
    Erik Piepenburg, New York Times, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Superb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superb. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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