better than sex

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformalhumorous

   Extremely enjoyable or satisfying — used informally to praise something in a playful, exaggerated way.

   Grammar: Comes after a linking verb like be, seem, or taste, and describes the subject: "That view was better than sex."

   Patterns

   • something is better than sex
   • taste/sound/feel better than sex

   After a long hike, that cold drink tasted better than sex.

   She said the first bite of the chocolate cake was better than sex.

   For him, scoring that goal felt better than sex.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Used literally in a comparison, meaning that one thing is more enjoyable than having sex.

   Grammar: A straightforward comparative; the phrase follows a linking verb and names the subject being compared.

   Patterns

   • something is better than sex
   • nothing is better than sex

   In his opinion, a good meal with friends is better than sex.

   The survey asked whether chocolate is better than sex.

Common combinations

taste better than sex

The strawberries were so sweet they tasted better than sex.

feel better than sex

That hot bath after a cold day felt better than sex.

said it was better than sex

He said the concert was better than sex.

nothing is better than sex

For some people, nothing is better than sex after a stressful week.

Synonyms and how they differ

out of this world

Also informal praise for something excellent, but it is safer in most social situations and does not mention sex.

amazing

A general word for something very good; much milder and appropriate in formal or polite contexts.

Commonly confused: better than sex or better than nothing?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “better than sex”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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