superior

1 of 2

adjective

su·​pe·​ri·​or su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər 

1

: situated higher up : upper

2

: of higher rank, quality, or importance

3

: courageously or serenely indifferent (as to something painful or disheartening)

4

a

: greater in quantity or numbers

escaped by superior speed

b

: excellent of its kind : better

her superior memory

5

: being a superscript

6

a

of an animal structure : situated above or anterior or dorsal to another and especially a corresponding part

a superior artery

b

of a plant structure : situated above or near the top of another part: such as

(1)

of a calyx : attached to and apparently arising from the ovary

(2)

of an ovary : free from the calyx or other floral envelope

7

: more comprehensive

a genus is superior to a species

8

: affecting or assuming an air of superiority : supercilious

superiorly adverb

superior

2 of 2

noun

1

: one who is above another in rank, station, or office

especially : the head of a religious house or order

2

: one that surpasses another in quality or merit

3

: superscript

Synonyms

Adjective

• arrogant
• dominant
• important

Noun

• boss
• leader
• master
• elder
• better

Examples of superior in a Sentence

Adjective

This new model offers superior performance.

The small army was overwhelmed by superior numbers.

He only helps us because it makes him feel superior.

Report to your superior officer.

The verdict was reversed by a superior court.

Noun

His superior gave him an excellent evaluation.

You should report any problems to your immediate superior.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Known and adored for their cushiony insoles and superior arch support, this footwear brand is a top pick for avid walkers, folks with chronic foot pain, and even podiatrists (after all, the founder, Dr. William Mathias Scholl, was one himself). —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025

Research has found that active kids develop superior cognitive skills, get better grades, and are more likely to stay on task than kids who are less active. —Henry Abbott, The Atlantic, 12 July 2025

Noun

They may also be perceived by co-workers and superiors as hesitant, withdrawn or underperforming. —Naira Velumyan, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Last fall, they were convicted in a separate federal case of witness tampering for misleading superiors about their actions. —Katie Riordan, NPR, 7 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin, comparative of superus upper, from super over, above — more at over

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing superior

• highly superior autobiographical memory
• superior conjunction
• superior court
• superior general
• superior planet
• superior vena cava

Rhymes for superior

• anterior
• exterior
• inferior
• interior
• ulterior

Kids Definition

superior

1 of 2 adjective

su·​pe·​ri·​or su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər 

1

: situated higher up : upper

2

: of higher rank, quality, or importance

3

: courageously or calmly indifferent (as to something painful)

4

a

: greater in quantity or numbers

escaped by superior speed

b

: excellent of its kind : better

a superior memory

5

: covering or including more things

a genus is superior to a species

6

: feeling that one is better or more important than others

superiorly adverb

superior

2 of 2 noun

1

: one who is above another in rank, station, or office

especially : the head of a religious house or order

2

: one that goes beyond another in quality or merit

Medical Definition

superior

adjective

su·​pe·​ri·​or su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər 

1

: situated toward the head and further away from the feet than another and especially another similar part of an upright body especially of a human being

the superior medial edge of the patient's right scapula

—J. M. Lewis

compare inferior sense 1

2

: situated in a more anterior or dorsal position in the body of a quadruped compare inferior sense 2

Legal Definition

superior

adjective

su·​pe·​ri·​or

: of higher status, rank, or priority

Geographical Definition

Superior

geographical name

Su·​pe·​ri·​or su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər 

city and port on Lake Superior in northwestern Wisconsin population 27,244