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.