SUPERIOR Synonyms: 332 Similar and Opposite Words

superior 1 of 2

adjective

su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər

as in arrogant

having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude that superior sportscaster lets it be known that he thinks all foreign baseball teams are second-rate

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as in proud

having or displaying feelings of scorn for what is regarded as beneath oneself the superior attitude of the store owner's son drove the other employees crazy

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as in excellent

of the very best kind a five-star restaurant known for its superior wine list

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as in outstanding

standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement a university known for attracting superior scientists and mathematicians

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superior

2 of 2

noun

as in boss

one who is above another in rank, station, or office if a customer is rude to you, report it to your superior and she'll handle it

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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 superior

Adjective

Although many are still chasing after this anomaly in pursuit of a fifth force, a superior experiment known as PADME should settle the issue once and for all. —

Big Think, 19 Mar. 2026 Of the 32 rooms, 12 are suites, and the remaining are superior double rooms, so all are a nice size. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026

Noun

After consultations with superiors, the jail superintendent has sent for a barber, who shaves the man gently, making sure to clear the fuzz from his earlobes. —

Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026 Around this time, a young Israeli national-security official reached the same conclusion and began urging his superiors to organize an internal coup against Assad. —

Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for superior

Recent Examples of Synonyms for superior

Adjective

This is an organization that can be frustratingly set in its ways and arrogant in its belief that there’s no better way.

— Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Planning for more than 11 contests out of Dobbins, something only produced twice over his first six NFL seasons, isn’t just arrogant.

— Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026