superlative
16 synonyms and 5 antonyms for superlative, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree, such as biggest, best or most carefully.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree, such as biggest, best or most carefully.
“The superlative of good is best, not goodest.”
Opposites
2. adjective
Of the very highest quality or degree; excellent beyond comparison.
“The orchestra gave a superlative performance.”
Opposites
How to use superlative
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
The grammatical sense is neutral and technical; the adjective sense is formal, complimentary praise.
Etymology
From late Latin superlativus, from superlatus "carried beyond, exaggerated", from super- "beyond" and ferre "to carry".
Full origin of superlative →