superpower
noun
su·per·pow·er
ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 
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 superpower …—
Patricia Sellers
Patricia Sellers3
: 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
Laura Mattoon D'AmoreThe 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
Barbara KingsolverExamples of superpower in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The energy transition need not be a death knell for the Kingdom; the evolution offers it a chance to maintain its status as an energy superpower.
—Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
As chief executive of a superpower, Harris would also be able to quiet lingering doubts that women are equipped to make decisions of war and peace.
—Linda Robinson, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024
This has only added to the negative sentiment surrounding the European superpower, as seen in Intel’s postponement of plans to invest in Germany.
—Samuel Burke, Fortune Europe, 29 Oct. 2024
Among the titles were revenge thriller Kate, starring Mary-Elizabeth Winstead and Woody Harrelson, action fantasy Bright, starring Will Smith, superpower thriller Project Power, starring Jamie Foxx, and DC movie Birds of Prey, starring Robbie.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for superpower 
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.
Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
As chief executive of a superpower, Harris would also be able to quiet lingering doubts that women are equipped to make decisions of war and peace.
—Linda Robinson, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024
This has only added to the negative sentiment surrounding the European superpower, as seen in Intel’s postponement of plans to invest in Germany.
—Samuel Burke, Fortune Europe, 29 Oct. 2024
Among the titles were revenge thriller Kate, starring Mary-Elizabeth Winstead and Woody Harrelson, action fantasy Bright, starring Will Smith, superpower thriller Project Power, starring Jamie Foxx, and DC movie Birds of Prey, starring Robbie.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for superpower
Dictionary Entries Near superpower
Cite this Entry
“Superpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superpower. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
superpower
noun
su·per·pow·er
ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r
: an extremely powerful nation
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share