upper-class 1 of 2

adjective

ˌə-pər-ˈklas How to pronounce upper-class (audio)
Definition of upper-classnext
as in aristocratic
of high birth, rank, or station upper-class boys who had an entrenched sense of entitlement

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

upper class

2 of 2

noun

as in aristocracy
the highest class in a society a school founded to educate the children of the upper class

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of upper-class
Adjective
In the 1990s, earning six figures was a clear marker of upper-class wealth. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2025 Zoom in: People living in lower-income neighborhoods across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware face higher flood risks over 30 years than those living in middle- and upper-class areas. — Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
After that, you’re considered upper class, according to the study. — Daniel Schrager, Idaho Statesman, 14 Mar. 2025 The Real Housewives franchise started as a modest examination into the absurdities of the quotidian lives of the upper class — a little bit Desperate Housewives, a little bit Laguna Beach, with a lot of glam in between. — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for upper-class
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upper-class
  1. aristocratic
  2. aristocracy
  3. nobility
  4. upper crust
  5. gentry
Adjective
  • At Watches and Wonders there will be an immersive booth that reinterprets the grand stables of aristocratic houses, where polo was played on private fields.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The royal engagement of Prince George of England (the Duke of Kent) to Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark reinforced its aristocratic bona fides.
    — Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of aristocratic
Noun
  • Built circa 1730, the grand residence, now on the market with Italy Sotheby’s International Realty for €5.2 million (or $5.6 million), embodies the opulence of 18th-century aristocracy while offering a slate of modern comforts, thanks to extensive renovations in the 1990s.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Netflix’s lush historical drama tackles the struggles of the aristocracy in 19th-century Sicily amid the attempts at the unification of Italy.
    — Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of aristocracy
Noun
  • Throughout history, the distinctive design detail has brought an air of nobility, authority and affluence to garments.
    — Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • It was commissioned by Consuelo, the Dowager Duchess of Manchester, an American who married into British nobility.
    — Ming Liu, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of nobility
Noun
  • The Gospel authors, far from being community leaders preserving oral sayings for largely illiterate followers, were highly literate members of a small, erudite upper crust, distant in experience, attitude, and geography from any Galilean peasant preachers.
    — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Which is what made Friday night’s effort against the Eastern Conference’s upper crust all the more noteworthy.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of upper crust
Noun
  • She as the most gentry eyes and a delightful personality.
    — Trish Stinger, Kansas City Star, 15 Jan. 2025
  • The Whitehaven neighborhood had developed in the late 19th century and attracted as residents the Memphis gentry.
    — Michael T. Bertrand, The Conversation, 5 June 2024
Definition of gentry

Browse Nearby Words

upper
upper-class
upper class
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Cite this Entry

“Upper-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upper-class. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

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