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
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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falling short of a standard an inferior science textbook that was out-of-date the day that it was published

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
The results have invariably been uglier, longer, inferior versions of films people already know and love, which provide a cheap rush of nostalgia but don’t offer any surprises or challenges. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026 Smith, meanwhile, is explicitly arguing that White players are inherently inferior. Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inferior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inferior
Noun
  • Mayor Dean Trantalis, Commissioner Steven Glassman and Commissioner John Herbst took issue with her leadership, accusing her of being dismissive to subordinates and ruffling too many feathers.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Put simply, the theory says the president should be able to issue orders to subordinates and to fire them at will.
    Graham G. Dodds, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • 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 projectile caused minor structural damage, but there were no injuries among the crew and the ship has continued its journey, the report said.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • The project cost is estimated at $85,000, according to a permit for minor tenant improvements submitted to the city.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • The administration had appealed two lower court rulings that blocked the termination.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Along with affordable homes, Lupo said, the best cities for first-time buyers also provide lower crime rates, good schools and a lower overall cost of living.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • Critics say such plans are wholly unacceptable because light pollution from so many large, bright satellites would radically degrade views of the night sky.
    Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 July 2026
  • For the union, this is unacceptable and yet another issue their members are facing.
    Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 14 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
  • Madrid had a poor 2024-25, failing to win the Spanish title or the Champions League, but Mbappe still scored 42 goals in 44 appearances.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Using Neanderthal cranium shapes to estimate specific brain regions’ volume, some investigators claimed to see signs of a mind with feeble linguistic abilities, poor executive function and an unremarkable memory.
    Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Readings from 0-50, or green on the index, mean air is generally good quality.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 19 July 2026
  • Tom Brady throws a mean spiral, hitting the target to send Rob Gronkowski into 500 gallons of Raising Cane’s Sauce on July 15 in New York City.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inferior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inferior. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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