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
-
Ordinary taxpayers don’t get to sue the IRS, settle with their own subordinates, and emerge with a bespoke release from audits and liabilities.—
Andrew Leahey,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2026
-
Landau quickly implemented a strict hierarchy at the agency, requiring subordinates to work up a chain of command before contacting her — an about-face from Frolich’s collaborative approach, attorneys said.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
The Canadian-Norwegian co-production for CBC and NRK follows a spoiled Norwegian factory heir from the 1800s, who forces a group of reluctant underlings to the American Wild West to gather material for his novel.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
26 May 2026
-
But the occupant of the Oval Office doesn’t want his underlings engaging in self-promotion and vindictive lawsuits.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inferiors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inferiors. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
