Word
superb
Phoneticssu·perb, stress on the second syllable
US/sʊˈpɝb/
UK/suːpˈɜːb/
Definitions
01excellent
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. extremely good or of the highest quality.
adj. of the highest quality; exceptionally good or first-rate.
“The hotel provided superb service throughout our entire stay.”
“The soloist gave a superb performance, demonstrating a level of technical mastery that left the audience in stunned silence.”
Synonyms
02grand or magnificent
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. very impressive and grand in appearance.
adj. characterised by grandeur, magnificence, or stately beauty.
“The palace was a superb example of ancient architecture.”
“The cathedral's superb proportions and intricate stonework make it one of the most significant historical landmarks in the region.”
Synonyms
03haughty or proud
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary
adj. acting as if you are better than other people.
adj. showing an arrogant or haughty attitude toward others.
“The count gave a superb nod to the servants as he passed.”
“In the old novel, the villain was described as having a superb disdain for anyone of a lower social class.”
Usage
This sense is rarely found in modern speech and is mostly encountered in 18th or 19th-century literature.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “superb” in context.
Verb
01. look superb
“You look superb in that tailored suit; it fits you perfectly.”
verb + adj
02. provide superb service
“The boutique hotel is known to provide superb service to every guest who stays there.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
03. superb craftsmanship
“The antique cabinet was a masterpiece of superb craftsmanship and intricate detail.”
adj + noun
04. superb facilities
“The new sports complex offers superb facilities for both professional athletes and local residents.”
adj + noun
05. truly superb
“The soloist's performance was truly superb, earning her a standing ovation from the entire audience.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. superb sense of timing
“The comedian's superb sense of timing allowed him to deliver the punchline to maximum effect.”
adj + noun + of + noun
Real-World Examples
“Moreover, no key player has been sold this summer, team spirit is superb and pre-season performances have been reassuringly convincing.” “It was no great surprise when, from Ryoya Morishita’s superb right-wing cross, McLoughlin headed beyond Dan Bentley to equalise.” Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin superbus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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