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falling short of a standard an inferior science textbook that was out-of-date the day that it was published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
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
Only 272 yards, at home, against a UCLA team that unquestionably has inferior talent? — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 Brandon put up big numbers against inferior opponents, but struggled against Texas and Auburn, and Heupel clearly doesn’t see this as a development year for his team. — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inferior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inferior
Noun
  • The case involved a relationship gone sour between the accused and a female subordinate, according to a source familiar with the department’s investigation.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • At Wednesday’s hearing, Waller followed the administration’s lead and refused to name or describe the new gunshot detection tool, passing questions about specifics off to a subordinate.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 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
  • Raymar Fraser, 41, was arrested and charged with kidnapping, battery, and interfering with the custody of a minor.
    — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Left-hander Braxton Garrett is out of minor-league options and must be on the pitching staff in some capacity.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • More about Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte, founded in 2010, provides free home repairs to low-income homeowners, focusing on older adults, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Highs will reach the lower 60s before temperatures begin falling.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • But singling out businesses because their owners are Jewish is unacceptable and has no place in our city.
    — Eva Andersen, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • William James Middle received its fifth unacceptable rating in a row in the 2025-26 school year.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 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
  • Nearby residents have argued that the large apartment complex will be a poor fit for their neighborhood, citing concerns about traffic congestion and fire department access, among other things.
    — Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The Lions’ high-flying offense is at its best on turf, not nearly as fast on grass, and their poor red zone defense has been an issue.
    — Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Thus a sibling rivalry is born — turns out that Cinderella is also the mean stepsister that somebody else hates.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 10 Nov. 2026
  • In addition, the current El Niño is expected to continue into early 2027 and boost annual global mean temperatures.
    — Oliver Trapnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inferior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inferior. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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