nonsuch

9.9

A person or thing so good that no other equals it

noun
/ˈnʌnˌsʌtʃ/

Archaic

: inigualable

This painting is a true nonsuch of beauty.

Examples

The athlete was a nonsuch in his field, unmatched by any of his competitors.
Her dedication to community service made her a nonsuch among her peers.
Many regarded the legendary athlete as a nonsuch of determination and skill.
She was a nonsuch in her field, unmatched in both talent and dedication.
The ancient castle was considered a nonsuch of medieval architecture.
She is a nonsuch in her field!
With his exceptional talent, he is considered a nonsuch in the world of music.

Synonyms

ideal

vsnonsuch

241 3.8

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

is an actual unmatched exemplar rather than an aspirational standard

paragon

vsnonsuch

Formal

18 7.8

A person or thing that shows the highest level of quality

is broader meaning total unmatched perfection rather than one specific quality

apotheosis

vsnonsuch

4 9.9

The highest or best example of something that makes someone seem like a god

is about a singular unmatched example without implying divine or peak status

nonpareil

vsnonsuch

Literature

1 9.9

A person or thing that has no equal

is about being a perfect model rather than only lacking rivals

nonesuch

vsnonsuch

Archaic

9.9

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

is the same meaning but spelled without the extra e

Antonyms

ordinary

683 1.0

Normal and not special or unusual

Surface Forms

nonsuch singular

nonsuches plural

Morphology

nonsuch = such (semi-transparent) = non + such

The components 'non-' + 'such' are recognizable, but the lexicalized noun meaning 'a matchless person or thing' is somewhat idiomatic and archaic for many learners.

Etymology

Nonsuch comes from an old phrase made of non (meaning 'no' or 'none') and such (meaning 'like this'). It originally meant 'no one like it', so a nonsuch is something without equal, a perfect example.