superpower

noun

su·​per·​pow·​er ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce superpower (audio)
1
: excessive or superior power
2
a
: an extremely powerful nation
specifically : one of a very few dominant states in an era when the world is divided politically into these states and their satellites
b
: an international governing body able to enforce its will upon the most powerful states
c
: an extremely powerful company, organization, etc.
The retailer hoped to become a financial services superpowerPatricia Sellers
3
: a power or ability (such as the ability to become invisible or to fly) of the kind possessed by superheroes : a superhuman power
The Fantastic Four first appeared in November 1961, originating with four friends who journeyed to space to thwart the Russians from getting there first. They were overwhelmed by a menacing radiation cloud and their molecular structure was altered, giving each of them superpowers.Laura Mattoon D'Amore
The superpower I've always wished for is invisibility, and I chose my vocation accordingly. A novelist gets 140,000 words per one tiny author photo. That's a visibility ratio I can live with.Barbara Kingsolver
superpowered adjective

Examples of superpower 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.
Nine percent of the latter end up with unpleasant conditions—these people are called Jokers—while 1 percent develop superpowers and are known as Aces. Ars Technica, 23 Jan. 2025 In the divisional round, a super-talented Bills team with so much promise eventually yielded the way to the final four to another AFC superpower. Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025 If writing is your superpower, do it every morning. Jodie Cook, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 In its last few months, the Biden administration put together a strategy to counter the nexus of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea — and classified the whole thing, limiting the space for public debate over how to manage the resumption of superpower conflict. David E. Sanger, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for superpower 

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of superpower was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near superpower

Cite this Entry

“Superpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superpower. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

superpower

noun
su·​per·​pow·​er ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce superpower (audio)
: an extremely powerful nation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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