inferior 1 of 2

Definition of inferiornext
1
as in lower
situated lower down creatures that inhabit the dark, inferior depths of the ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard an inferior science textbook that was out-of-date the day that it was published

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 inferior
Noun
That comes to the Philippines in the form of war, as well as through the invocation, or establishment, of American-style modes of government and education that place Filipinos along this racial hierarchy, identifying them as these inferiors that need to be taught how to govern themselves. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
There was a time when Irish, Italians, Jews and Chinese who came here were viewed as inferior. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026 Ma married Pa, her social inferior, against her mother’s wishes. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inferior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inferior
Noun
  • The supporting figures are colorful enough, though Akkabi’s sneering chief villain arguably makes less of an impression than his subordinates.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026
  • Almost all the coverage of this story has focused on who knew what, and when, about Sherrone Moore’s affair with a subordinate.
    Jason Kirk, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • Despite those lower court rulings, the practice has continued nationally, said Gregory Chen, the senior director of government relations for the Immigration Lawyers Association.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • In the Kyiv region, five people were wounded in the Brovary district, including a minor and two women, acting regional administration head Ruslan Oliinyk said on Facebook.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • Anthony Joseph Ramon, 25, of Gilroy, was first arrested on July 9 and charged with committing lewd and lascivious acts on a minor, according to the Morgan Hill Police Department.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Democratic primary voters picked their nominees on Tuesday for three battleground House seats in Virginia that are likely to determine control of the lower chamber in the 2026 midterm elections.
    Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
  • This fuss-free pair has it all—plenty of color choices, comfy low heels, and a sleek, versatile design that will easily match any outfit, especially mini skirts and dresses.
    Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The episode has added to a growing chorus of concern among AI safety advocates, who argue that agents capable of independently identifying and exploiting unknown vulnerabilities across multiple companies’ infrastructure present an unacceptable risk.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • Conditional approval remains a possibility for firms demonstrating no unacceptable risks.
    John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • Covid-19 wasn’t immediately recognized as a disease with airborne transmission with the potential to spread beyond the 6-foot social distancing measure, especially in places with poor ventilation or around activities with heavy breathing.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Crepe myrtles may not bloom due to poor pruning, low light, watering issues, weak soil, or pests.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In 2023, that index was just shy of 97, meaning the mean family could afford a home.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • My comment was how Law is mean to everyone, not me specifically.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inferior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inferior. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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