superiority

noun

su·​pe·​ri·​or·​i·​ty su̇-ˌpir-ē-ˈȯr-ə-tē 

ˌsü-,

-ˈär-

plural superiorities

: the quality or state of being superior

also : a superior characteristic

Synonyms

• arrogance
• assumption
• bumptiousness
• consequence
• haughtiness
• hauteur
• high horse
• huffiness
• imperiousness
• loftiness
• lordliness
• masterfulness
• peremptoriness
• pomposity
• pompousness
• presumptuousness
• pretense
• pretence
• pretension
• pretentiousness
• self-consequence
• self-importance
• superciliousness
• toploftiness

Examples of superiority in a Sentence

His success has given him a false sense of superiority.

the superiority of some of the customers at the exclusive beauty salon is enough to curl your hair

Recent Examples on the Web

This condition is what philosopher Charles Mills, speaking of the American context, labeled epistemological ignorance—a deliberate unknowing, an insistence on the myth of white superiority, of white exceptionalism. —Christine Winter, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025

And so Tyla’s comments were also taken as an insinuation of superiority over Black people. —Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025

The intent is to level the playing field, not to enshrine racial superiority or inferiority. —Ina Fried, Axios, 19 Feb. 2025

Costner presents these perspectives with a sincere tone that lacks any hint of cynicism or moral superiority. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing superiority

• air of superiority
• air superiority
• superiority complex

Rhymes for superiority

• exteriority
• inferiority
• authority
• majority
• minority
• priority
• seniority
• sonority
• sorority

Kids Definition

superiority

noun

su·​pe·​ri·​or·​i·​ty su̇-ˌpir-ē-ˈȯr-ət-ē 

-ˈär-

plural superiorities

: the state or fact of being superior