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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in excellent

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in outstanding

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 superior

Adjective

Accommodations range from deluxe, superior, and premier to urban, and two penthouses, the latter of which are a statement stay that seem better suited for entertaining than sleeping. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Projecting multiple years of superior earnings growth from here requires betting that profound structural changes to the economy will durably benefit companies over wage-earners beyond the current unprecedented extremes. —

Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2026

Noun

Marriott said the opposition appeared to be the final straw for his superiors, who informed staff that the department would shift the responsibilities of captains. —

Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026 This minimalist response, especially from superiors, can inadvertently signal status and disengagement, forcing employees to interpret its true meaning. —

Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for superior

Recent Examples of Synonyms for superior

Adjective

As Molloy gradually succeeds in puncturing Lestat’s aloof, arrogant outer shell, his sound correspondingly shifts from assaultive punk to more contemplative ballads.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 7 June 2026
But Lobo isn't some mindless arrogant hulk out to impose his indomitable will.

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 6 June 2026