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nonpareil

nonpareil

1 9.9
A person or thing that has no equal
  • noun
  • /ˌnɑːn.pəˈreɪl/
  • Literature
translation icon : paragón
  • a child of ten years old, which not only for feature, countenance, and proportion much exceeds any of the rest of his (Powhatan's) people but for wit and spirit is the only nonpareil of his country.

Examples

  • As a writer, he is a nonpareil, having produced works that have inspired countless readers across generations.

  • The best answer to this question lies in the example of George Washington, a nonpareil of the enlightened republican gentleman.

    Academic text (2009)
  • A... a nonpareil.

  • Renowned for her exceptional talent in the kitchen, Chef Marie has become a nonpareil among pastry chefs.

  • In the field of mathematics, her ability to solve complex problems makes her a nonpareil among her peers.

Synonyms

ideal
vsnonpareil
241 3.8

A person or thing that is a perfect example to aim for

is about being unrivaled rather than an aspirational standard
paragon
vsnonpareil
  • Formal
18 7.8

A person or thing that shows the highest level of quality

is broader meaning unrivaled overall rather than one quality
nonsuch
vsnonpareil
  • Archaic
9.9

A person or thing so good that no other equals it

is the same meaning but used as a different word form
nonesuch
vsnonpareil
  • Archaic
9.9

A person or thing that is the best and has no equal

is the same meaning but uses a different form of the word
first-rater
vsnonpareil
  • Neologism
7.5

A person or thing of very high quality

is about being unrivaled rather than simply high quality

Antonyms

683 1.0

Normal and not special or unusual

63 3.7

Not as good in quality as something else

How Excellent

nonpareil
  • Literature
1 9.9
preeminent
17 8.0
gem
  • Informal
71 3.0
good example
111 1.4

Surface Forms

nonpareil singular
nonpareils plural

Etymology

Nonpareil comes from French non- ('not') and pareil ('equal'), so it literally means 'without equal'. That is why calling a person a nonpareil means they are unmatched or the best of their kind.