a cut above

ADJECTIVE

superior

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admirable exceptional first-rate good high-caliber preferable remarkable superhuman

STRONG

above capital choice dandy exclusive expert fine major over premium primary senior

WEAK

deluxe distinguished exceeding famous finer first-class first-string five-star good quality grander high-class more advanced more skillful noteworthy of higher rank overlying paramount predominant preferred prevailing superincumbent surpassing unrivalled

Antonyms

STRONGEST

detestable normal ordinary unremarkable usual

STRONG

bad inferior low-class minor poor secondary unimportant

WEAK

below humble lower meek

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But he also thinks Chipotle’s approach makes sense, noting that the Mexican-themed chain is fast-casual to its core, so its identity is indeed tied to being a cut above McDonald’s.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 11, 2026

Still, James insisted that headquarters employees dress a cut above business casual, requiring jackets and slacks for men.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 11, 2025

For Chiles, her junior-year return to Westwood ended a cut above her first year in blue and gold when the Bruins fell in the national semifinals.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2025

In England's most recent 3-0 defeat in India, Rashid was a cut above - taking seven wickets at 27, including that of Virat Kohli twice.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2025

Thyon looked terrible—though, admittedly, his “terrible” was still a cut above how most people could ever hope to look.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

a cut above

Example Sentences

Related Words