What does "triumph" mean?
A conclusive success following an effort, conflict, or confrontation of obstacles; victory; conquest.
Triumph
/ˈtɹaɪ.əmf/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A conclusive success following an effort, conflict, or confrontation of obstacles; victory; conquest.
- Grammar: triumph is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: victory, accomplishment, accomplishment, aced.
- Useful contrasts: total failure, be defeated, besting.
- Usage evidence: It was the triumph of civilization over force.
How to use "triumph"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "triumph" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "triumph" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "triumph" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "triumph" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "triumph" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "victory" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "triumph", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A conclusive success following an effort, conflict, or confrontation of obstacles; victory; conquest. countable, uncountable
"the triumph of knowledge"
- 2 a successful ending of a struggle or contest wordnet
- 3 A magnificent and imposing ceremonial performed in honor of a victor. countable, uncountable
- 4 the exultation of victory wordnet
- 5 Any triumphal procession; a pompous exhibition; a stately show or pageant. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"We are ready, & our daughter heere, / In honour of whoſe Birth, theſe Triumphs are, / Sits heere like Beauties child,"
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 A state of joy or exultation at success. countable, uncountable
"Great triumph and rejoicing was in heaven."
- 7 A trump card. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"Eros has Packt Cards with Cæsars, and false plaid my Glory Unto an Enemies triumph"
- 8 A card game, also called trump. countable, uncountable
- 9 a ceremony held to publicly celebrate and sanctify the military achievement of an army commander. Ancient-Rome, countable, historical, uncountable
- 10 A work of art, cuisine, etc. of very high quality. countable, uncountable
"Scorsese's latest film is a triumph."
- 11 A card trick in which the cards are shuffled with half face-up and half face-down, then laid out so that only the observer's chosen card is facing upward. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To celebrate victory with pomp; to rejoice over success; to exult in an advantage gained; to exhibit exultation.
"England is growne to ſuch a paſſe of late, That rich men triumph to ſee the poore beg at their gate."
- 2 to express great joy wordnet
- 3 To prevail over rivals, challenges, or difficulties.
"Forſake thy king and do but ioyne with me And we will triumph ouer al the world."
- 4 dwell on with satisfaction wordnet
- 5 To succeed, win, or attain ascendancy.
"On this occasion, however, genius triumphed."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 prove superior wordnet
- 7 To be prosperous; to flourish.
"where commerce triumphed on the favouring gales"
- 8 be ecstatic with joy wordnet
- 9 To play a trump in a card game.
"Of the kings and the queens that triumph in the cards"
Proper Noun
- 1 A former make of British motor car.
Example
"It was the triumph of civilization over force."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "triumph"?
Common synonyms include: victory, accomplishment, accomplishment, aced, achievement, achievement.
How do you use "triumph" in a sentence?
It was the triumph of civilization over force.
How do you pronounce "triumph"?
Pronounced /ˈtɹaɪ.əmf/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English [Term?], borrowed from Old French triumphe, from Latin triumphus (“triumphal procession”), ultimately from Ancient Greek θρίαμβος (thríambos, “thriambus”). Doublet of thriambus and trump.
Etymology 2
From Latin triumphō.