as in subordinates
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
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 inferiors
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
Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inferiors
Noun
-
Cincinnati's now-former police chief, once sued by subordinates for alleged discrimination against White male officers, has been fired.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
-
That promotes stability, because the president won’t feel the need to fire subordinates to keep his job secure.—
Daniel C. Vock,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Historically, film studios have been run by one monolithic figure, calling shots and running expansive teams of middle managers and underlings.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2026
-
This one regrettable fight between husband and wife has far-reaching implications for the community surrounding a ritzy LA country club, where Josh is the general manager and Ashley and Austin are his underlings.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inferiors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inferiors. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
