SUPERIOR Synonyms: 332 Similar and Opposite Words

superior 1 of 2

adjective

su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər

as in arrogant

having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude that superior sportscaster lets it be known that he thinks all foreign baseball teams are second-rate

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as in proud

having or displaying feelings of scorn for what is regarded as beneath oneself the superior attitude of the store owner's son drove the other employees crazy

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as in excellent

of the very best kind a five-star restaurant known for its superior wine list

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as in outstanding

standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement a university known for attracting superior scientists and mathematicians

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superior

2 of 2

noun

as in boss

one who is above another in rank, station, or office if a customer is rude to you, report it to your superior and she'll handle it

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of superior

Adjective

First, there was the Soviet T-34/76, a simple, rugged tank that featured a higher-velocity 76mm cannon and superior armor protection. —

Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 20 May 2026 That pricing makes the bundle feel like an excellent deal that would also look superior to paying $13/month for a version of Disney+ that incorporates Hulu’s entire library. —

Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026

Noun

Xi was trusted to hear his superiors discuss such state secrets. —

Michael Sheridan, Vanity Fair, 8 Apr. 2026 Motions to dismiss charges in the case paint some of the officers as rookies deferring to their superiors. —

Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for superior

Recent Examples of Synonyms for superior

Adjective

Public policy decisions always need to strive for middle ground, and those leadership decisions often referred to as arrogant can just as easily be called principled leadership.

— DP Opinion, Denver Post, 23 May 2026
Some readers will probably hear a billionaire crediting luck and dismiss it as false modesty, the kind of thing people say to avoid sounding arrogant.

— Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026