Comparative and Superlative Adjectives List: 100+ Examples

Comparative and superlative adjectives do not all follow the same pattern. Some take -er/-est, others use more/most, and a few have irregular forms.

This reference groups common adjectives by formation pattern, followed by an alphabetical list of more than 100 adjectives for quick lookup.

If you need the grammar behind these forms, including than, modifiers, comparison groups, and superlative structures, see the guide to comparative and superlative adjectives.

Comparative and Superlative Adjectives at a Glance

The patterns are useful, but two-syllable adjectives are especially flexible. Where more than one established form is useful to know, both are shown in this reference. The alternatives are not necessarily equally common in every variety or context.

One-Syllable Adjectives With -er and -est

Most one-syllable adjectives take -er and -est.

One-Syllable Adjectives Ending in -e

When the adjective already ends in e, add -r or -st.

Adjectives That Double the Final Consonant

Some short adjectives double the final consonant before -er or -est.

Adjectives Ending in Consonant + y

When an adjective ends in a consonant followed by y, the y normally changes to i.

Two-Syllable Adjectives

Two-syllable adjectives do not follow one universal pattern.

Some commonly take -er/-est:

Others commonly use more/most:

Some accept both patterns:

Longer Adjectives With More and Most

Most adjectives with three or more syllables use more and most.

This is a strong general pattern rather than a rule that should be forced onto every possible adjective.

Irregular Comparative and Superlative Forms

A few common adjectives have irregular forms.

Farther and further can both refer to distance. Further also has broader uses, as in further information.

A Note on Older, Elder, Oldest, and Eldest

The ordinary comparison forms of old are:

old → older → oldest

Elder and eldest have more restricted uses, especially with family relationships:

her elder sister

their eldest son

For ordinary comparisons, older and oldest are the usual forms.

A–Z Comparative and Superlative Adjectives List

This alphabetical table provides 116 common adjectives and their comparative and superlative forms.

Not Every Adjective Has a Natural Comparative Form

A comparative and superlative list should not suggest that every adjective can be compared freely.

Some adjectives normally classify something rather than describe a quality that varies by degree. Examples include:

medical

wooden

annual

Other adjectives may allow comparison only when their meaning changes or becomes gradable in a particular context.

Use this list as a reference for common forms. When more than one comparative or superlative is accepted, normal usage and context can determine which form sounds more natural.

First English Grade Editorial

The First English Grade Editorial creates simple English grammar, vocabulary, and language guides for students, beginners, and everyday learners.