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falling short of a standard an inferior science textbook that was out-of-date the day that it was published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
Someone briskly assessing workmanship or disparaging a social inferior? Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026 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
The defense has criticized aspects of Clancy’s care, suggesting the treating psychiatrist missed diagnoses, that telehealth visits are inherently inferior, and that inappropriate medication changes were made. Renee Sorrentino, STAT, 28 Aug. 2026 Across state and federal lands, accommodations designated for Black Americans were routinely and nakedly inferior, relegated to remote, underdeveloped parcels or mosquito-prone swamplands. Kimmie Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inferior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inferior
Noun
  • Investigators have accused one of his subordinates of running a fraud scheme, though Kravchenko himself has not been charged or named a suspect.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Additionally, while there are government rules against federal employees accepting gifts from subordinates or officials who make less than themselves, subordinates are not barred from receiving gifts from superiors.
    Kristin Brown, CBS News, 9 Sep. 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
  • Once in orbit at L2, only minor burns once every 28 days are needed for station keeping — a negligible amount of fuel.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Everyone wants better decisions, particularly when their own team is on the wrong end of an injustice, minor or major.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Officials touted the lowest official poverty rates on record for children and for Hispanic Americans, at about 13% of both groups.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Rooms on lower floors have at least partial views of the city.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Immigrant and human-rights advocates called the situation unacceptable, particularly given the dangers facing returning Haitians, including gang killings and surging kidnappings.
    Gérard Maxineau, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026
  • That’s an unacceptable delay for units in active combat operations.
    Nir Goldstein, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 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
  • The following season, Chelsea topped their Champions League group, but poor Premier League form saw Mourinho sacked in mid-December.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Many are in poor shape, with thin, uninsulated walls, leaky windows, old or broken swamp coolers and electrical systems that can't always handle air conditioners.
    Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Those movies are mean and funny, while this one is just mean.
    Katie Rife, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Sally and Gillian blend up some mean frozen margaritas — a Frances and Jet tradition — during the reception, which is held on the old house’s moonlit lawn.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inferior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inferior. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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