Best (5)
'best' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for ideal that I've seen before include "'Perfect, model (5)'" , "Utopian; yardstick" , "Textbook" , "Paradigm" , "Exemplary" .)
'best' is the definition.
(elite can mean the very best of a group)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for elite that I've seen before include "Group enjoying superior status" , "Creme de la creme" , "First-class" , "Superior group in society" , "Exclusive set" .)
'best' is the definition.
(synonyms)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for outdo that I've seen before include "Beat" , "Surpass - overshadow - excel" , "Br superior to (someone)" , "Overcome" , "Perform better than surpass" .)
'best' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for worst that I've seen before include "Most unpleasant" , "the pits" , "Lowest of the low" , "Direst" , "Get better of; very bad" .)
'best' is the definition.
(as in 'the cream of the crop')
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for cream that I've seen before include "Pick - fatty part of milk" , "best people" , "Best - substitute for shaving soap" , "Milk product" , "Fat-rich part of milk" .)
If this is the answer I cannot explain how the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
'best' is the definition.
(optimum means the best possible)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for optimum that I've seen before include "Best (result)" , "The best possible" , "Most favourable (conditions)" , "Most favourable amount" , "top condition" .)
'best' is the definition.
(optimal means the best)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for optimal that I've seen before include "Ideal" , "as good as can be" , "Most desirable" , "In the best condition" , "couldn't be better" .)
'best' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for topmost that I've seen before include "Supreme" , "Highest" .)
'best' is the definition.
(top can mean the very best)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for top that I've seen before include "Most successful" , "Surface" , "Crown" , "Peak; child's toy" , "Pinnacle" .)
'best' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for outstrip that I've seen before include "As to purist, surpass or run faster" , "Exceed in performance" , "Move faster than and overtake" , "Leave behind" , "Move faster than (someone else)" .)
'best' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for greatest that I've seen before include "Most important!" , "Not to be surpassed" , "Unsurpassable" , "Most celebrated" , "Best-ever" .)
'best' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for nicest that I've seen before include "Most acceptable" , "most appetising" , "Most agreeable" , "Most pleasing" , "I scent in the most pleasant way" .)