nonpareil

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "nonpareil" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means unsurpassed, unique, or having no equal. As an example sentence, you can use: His voice was a nonpareil, captivating audiences around the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While it is interesting to see Lester Young against the background of his times, he remains unique, as anyone who listens to his nonpareil recordings can hear.

The Economist

"Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable", first published in 1870, is by widespread consent the nonpareil of instructive digression.

The Economist

The painted bunting (P. ciris), native to the American Southeast, is sometimes called the "nonpareil" because of the male's unrivaled colouring indigo head and neck, scarlet breast, and lemon back.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was the gateway to India and East Asia and hence a vital interest nonpareil for the British Empire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He won the world middleweight title (under the Queensberry rules) by knocking out Nonpareil Jack Dempsey in 13 rounds in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 14 , 1891

Encyclopedia Britannica

A very obvious case in point is the Clifden nonpareil, whose name boldly proclaims that it is without equal entirely.

Independent

But this one – ah, nonpareil is the word.

Independent

Nor those cosy chats the Glaswegian hoped for, as his talisman nonpareil eased away into new realms.

Independent

He said they were the best, the nonpareil of all club teams who had passed his gaze since he started watching the game.

Independent

Nostalgia compels me to mention that in his book Great Masters of Scottish Football Hugh Taylor relates that in 1951, the great Jimmy Mason of Third Lanark, an inside-right nonpareil and then aged 32, was offered £4,000 in cash, £30 a week, a free house and a flight to Italy by Lazio, when he was being paid £14 a week by Thirds.

Independent

When I arrived at dusk he had his moth trap out in his garden, and I was prepared for long vigil, but Les had startling news; his colleague Mark Parsons, BC's head of moth conservation, had actually found a Clifden nonpareil on the wall of his cottage, thirty miles away, half an hour earlier, and caught it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nonpareil" to describe something that is truly unique and without equal, avoiding overuse in contexts where 'excellent' or 'outstanding' would suffice. This maintains its impact and significance.

Common error

Avoid using "nonpareil" to describe something that is merely very good. The term should be reserved for items, people, or achievements that are genuinely unmatched and exceptional, rather than just commendable.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "nonpareil" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to denote something that is unparalleled or without equal. It can also function as a noun, referring to a person or thing that has no equal. Ludwig AI validates the use of "nonpareil" as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nonpareil" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something that is without equal, or as a noun referring to something unparalleled. Ludwig AI confirms it to be correct and usable in written English. It's predominantly used in news and media, reflecting a formal register. When using "nonpareil", remember it signifies true uniqueness and exceptional quality, setting it apart from mere excellence. If looking for alternative phrases, consider "unrivaled", "peerless", or "incomparable". Its consistent usage across authoritative sources makes it a valuable term for precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unmatched

Focuses on the lack of any equivalent in a specific comparison.

Peerless

Highlights the absence of equals, emphasizing superior status.

Unrivaled

Stresses the inability of others to compete or match the subject's level.

Incomparable

Points to the lack of basis for comparison, indicating uniqueness.

Matchless

Emphasizes the impossibility of finding a comparable item or person.

Unequaled

Highlights that the subject has surpassed all others in a certain attribute.

Transcendent

Suggests the subject goes beyond ordinary limits.

Supreme

Implies the highest degree of quality or achievement.

Paramount

Indicates top-level importance or influence.

Preeminent

Emphasizes superior rank or reputation.

FAQs

How to use "nonpareil" in a sentence?

Use "nonpareil" to describe something that is unique and without equal. For example, "Her skill as a painter was "nonpareil"".

What can I say instead of "nonpareil"?

You can use alternatives like "unrivaled", "peerless", or "incomparable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "nonpareil" or "non parallel"?

"Nonpareil" means having no equal, while "non parallel" means not parallel. They have different meanings and are used in different contexts.

What's the difference between "nonpareil" and "unique"?

"Nonpareil" implies something is so outstanding it has no equal, while "unique" simply means one of a kind. Something unique might not necessarily be the best, but something nonpareil is unmatched in its excellence.