Phrase guide

ne plus ultra

noun · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /nā' plŭs ŭl'trə/
  • /nē' plŭs ŭl'trə/
  • /nā' plo͝os o͝ol'trə/

1

noun

Meaning 1

The highest, ultimate point of achievement which can be reached; perfection.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • November 30, 2014, Julia Kavanagh, Rome: The ‘ne plus ultra’ of Arthttps://camel76.wordpress.com/2014/11/20/rome-the-ne-plus-ultra-of-art/ It doesn’t get any better than this because Rome, like Florence, is the ne plus ultra of art.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The perfect or most extreme example of its kind; the ultimate.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: paragon, exemplar, last word

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

A prohibition against proceeding further; an insuperable obstacle or limiting condition.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: rare

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

the state of being without a flaw or defect

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: perfection, flawlessness

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: state

Narrower terms: dream, polish, refinement, culture, cultivation, finish, fare-thee-well, intactness

History

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin nē plūs ultrā.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: nec plus ultra — Translations
  • Hungarian: non plus ultra — Translations
  • Hungarian: netovább — Translations
  • Hungarian: csimborasszó — Translations
  • Hungarian: csúcs — Translations
  • Hungarian: tető — Translations
  • Hungarian: legteteje — Translations