ultra

1 of 3

adjective

ul·​tra ˈəl-trə How to pronounce ultra (audio)
Synonyms of ultranext
: going beyond others or beyond due limit : extreme

ultra

2 of 3

noun

: one that is ultra : extremist

ultra-

3 of 3

prefix

1
: beyond in space : on the other side : trans-
ultraviolet
2
: beyond the range or limits of : transcending : super-
ultramicroscopic
3
: beyond what is ordinary, proper, or moderate : excessively : extremely
ultramodern

Synonyms of ultra

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Adjective

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Examples of ultra in a Sentence

Adjective espouses a kind of ultra conservatism that even some members of his own party cannot support
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Those include whether the fast-growing ultra-Orthodox population should remain exempted from compulsory military service in a country where many families have seen their sons and daughters killed in three years of inconclusive wars. — Cara Anna, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 But such an arrangement would face major disagreements over military conscription, as Eisenkot has pledged to expand mandatory service to ultra-Orthodox men, while the religious parties have sought to preserve exemptions for yeshiva students. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
The club’s ultras celebrated by serenading him with a post-match chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’. — Tom Williams, New York Times, 9 July 2026 Political dissent can be harshly policed outside the stadium, but domestic clubs’ most ardent fan groups, often called ultras, are brazenly outspoken in their cheering. — Dan Greene, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ultra

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

ultra-

Noun

ultra-

Prefix

Latin, from ultra beyond, adverb & preposition, from *ulter situated beyond — more at ulterior

First Known Use

Adjective

1818, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultra was in 1818

Phrases Containing ultra

Browse Nearby Words

Ultonian
ultra
ultra-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ultra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultra. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ultra

1 of 2 adjective
ul·​tra
ˈəl-trə
: going beyond others : extreme

ultra-

2 of 2 prefix
1
: beyond : exceeding the range or limits of
ultraviolet
2
: more than is usual
ultramodern
Etymology

Prefix

derived from Latin ultra "beyond"

More from Merriam-Webster on ultra

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ultra

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