Superlative
What it means
Representing the highest degree of quality or achievement.
Reach for it when offering formal top-level praise when a real comparison supports it
The judges praised the instrument's superlative craftsmanship.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
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| literary |
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playful
Fits when contemporary informal ranking language fits
Careful Top-tier identifies a band and not necessarily the single highest degree.
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warm
finest
Fits when the best member of a defined set is being selected
Careful Finest needs a named set or becomes vague promotion.
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professional
Fits when high quality is clear without claiming first place
Careful Excellent is safer and less elevated than superlative.
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professional
Fits when performance clearly rises above the field
Careful Outstanding allows equals and is easier to defend.
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formal
Fits when highest rank or importance is truly intended
Careful Supreme can concern authority rather than quality.
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literary
Fits when no equal is known and grand praise suits
Careful Peerless is more absolute and often too ornate.
Opposites 3
- inferior
- mediocre
- substandard
Common phrases 3
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superlative quality
Superlative quality was visible in the cabinet's hidden joints too.
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superlative skill
Her superlative skill made the difficult repair appear calm.
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superlative example
The bridge is a superlative example of adaptable civic design.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Superlative is a ranking claim. Define the comparison or choose excellent when no top position has been established.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Alton, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated