supermajority
noun
su·per·ma·jor·i·ty
ˈsü-pər-mə-ˌjȯr-ə-tē 
-ˌjär-
plural supermajorities
: a majority (such as two-thirds or three-fifths) that is greater than a simple majority
treaty ratification requires a supermajority
Furthermore, it is about even money that soon after Congress convenes in January it will … approve a constitutional amendment to require supermajorities (three-fifths) in both houses of Congress to approve deficit spending.—
George F. Will
George F. WillThe company, for instance, has a supermajority clause in its articles of incorporation; 80% of the shareholders must approve any sale or merger.—Joshua Hyatt
Joshua HyattExamples of supermajority in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This plan, which requires tens of billions in new spending, was pushed through by the Democratic supermajority over Republican objections and despite Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto.
—Justin Ready, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025
When Josh Stein won a four-year term last fall, a Republican supermajority in the state legislature passed a law, then overrode his predecessor’s veto, to transfer this power to the state auditor.
—Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 16 May 2025
In 2024, nearly 150 of Connecticut’s 169 municipalities shifted rightward, even as Democrats held onto a supermajority.
—Andrew Fowler, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2025
Despite the Republican supermajority in the Legislature, lawmakers failed to reach a deal on a state budget, so they are now expected to return to Tallahassee on May 12 to re-start budget talks.
—Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for supermajority
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Justin Ready, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025
When Josh Stein won a four-year term last fall, a Republican supermajority in the state legislature passed a law, then overrode his predecessor’s veto, to transfer this power to the state auditor.
—Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 16 May 2025
In 2024, nearly 150 of Connecticut’s 169 municipalities shifted rightward, even as Democrats held onto a supermajority.
—Andrew Fowler, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2025
Despite the Republican supermajority in the Legislature, lawmakers failed to reach a deal on a state budget, so they are now expected to return to Tallahassee on May 12 to re-start budget talks.
—Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for supermajority
Cite this Entry
“Supermajority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supermajority. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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supermajority
noun
su·per·ma·jor·i·ty
ˈsü-pər-mə-ˌjȯr-ə-tē
: a large majority
a provision requiring a supermajority vote — say, 80 % of the common shares instead of the usual bare majority rule—R. C. Clark
R. C. ClarkLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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