as in subordinate
one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another
she is nice to her inferiors as well as to her superiors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in lower
situated lower down
creatures that inhabit the dark, inferior depths of the ocean
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in minor
of little or less value or merit
a girl who has always felt inferior to her older sister
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3
as in low
belonging to the class of people of low social or economic rank
at one time, the upper crust liked to believe that inferior people were fit only to be servants
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4
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard
an inferior science textbook that was out-of-date the day that it was published
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5
as in lesser
having not so great importance or rank as another
an inferior officer cannot strike a superior under any circumstances
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6
as in poor
of low quality
inferior chocolate candy that no serious chocolate lover would think of eating
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inferior
Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
That both films have come to be seen as a bit creaky probably has as much to do with the inferior home video transfers they’ve been subjected to in the past as with any inherent faults — a problem Warner Archive‘s flawless new editions laudably correct.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2025
If people yearn for something strongly enough, some of them will be willing to accept an inferior substitute.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
This pivot comes after the committee rejected three 9-3 bubble teams from the SEC last season in favor of Indiana and SMU – teams with superior records but inferior strength of schedule.
—Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inferior
Adjective
Down one against the inferior Dallas Wings — though one with a scorching-hot Paige Bueckers — in a game the Sparks had to have to keep their playoff hopes alive, that’s what Plum did.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
That both films have come to be seen as a bit creaky probably has as much to do with the inferior home video transfers they’ve been subjected to in the past as with any inherent faults — a problem Warner Archive‘s flawless new editions laudably correct.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2025
If people yearn for something strongly enough, some of them will be willing to accept an inferior substitute.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
This pivot comes after the committee rejected three 9-3 bubble teams from the SEC last season in favor of Indiana and SMU – teams with superior records but inferior strength of schedule.
—Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inferior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inferior
Noun
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In pursuing first the transport minister’s former subordinates and then the man himself, Putin was deploying a strategy that has also been seen elsewhere, including at the defense ministry.—
ANDREI KOLESNIKOV,
Foreign Affairs,
8 Sep. 2025
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Participants would complete a physical fitness test, have their body fat measured, undergo a psychological evaluation, receive leadership evaluations from former peers and subordinates, and complete verbal and written communication assessments.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And ultimately, the Supreme Court overruled those lower court rulings and did declare the embryos as children qualifying under the wrongful death statute.—
Dana Taylor,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2024
-
Lower gas demand amid increasing supply has led to lower pump prices.—
Frank Witsil,
Detroit Free Press,
19 June 2023
Adjective
-
The higher the position, the greater the visibility, and the more costly even minor lapses become.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Blue jumpsuits indicate an immigration infraction or a minor criminal charge; red ones denote a more serious crime.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Sep. 2025
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Unwavering loyalty Schrandt told ABC News that any deportations to Afghanistan are an unacceptable outcome.—
Chris Boccia,
ABC News,
5 Sep. 2025
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Cosmetics are not the only place that regulators assessed an unacceptable level of risk.—
Keyaira Boone,
Essence,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Even lesser-scale incidents like the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal and the Volkswagen emissions scandal erode trust in the institutions that help make our society possible and push it forward.—
Lindsey Witmer Collins,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points.—
Staff Writer
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2023
Adjective
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Cutting carbs entirely can raise the risk of cholesterol, kidney stones, poor bone health, gut problems, and even cancer, added Stefanki.—
Caitlin Pagán,
Verywell Health,
11 Sep. 2025
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Before Wednesday’s game, people within the organization were optimistic about Helsley putting his tipping problem and overall poor pitching behind him, pointing to a clean inning Monday.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Not even Chris Hargensen, the organizer of Carrie’s prom-night humiliation, the meanest of all mean girls, could have thought up something so diabolical.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
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The messages, dozens of which were sent every day and attacked the teen’s relationship, looks, intelligence, clothing and behavior, were originally thought to be a mean spirited prank orchestrated by one of their high school classmates.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inferior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inferior. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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