SUPERIORITY Synonyms: 165 Similar and Opposite Words

superiority

noun

su̇-ˌpir-ē-ˈȯr-ə-tē

Definition of superiority

as in arrogance

an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims the superiority of some of the customers at the exclusive beauty salon is enough to curl your hair

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in excellence

exceptionally high quality the superiority of tree-ripened mangoes might make you want to spend the rest of your life in a tropical climate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dominance

the fact or state of being above others in rank or importance the superiority of the nation in military might

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 superiority Part of the reason for this is the Dodgers have entered a boring-great stage of hegemony, in which their superiority over the rest of the league is so pronounced that there is little to discuss on a day-to-day basis. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 30 June 2026 Critics argued that the message of a White man elevated above both a Native American and an African symbolized racial superiority. — Lee Cowan, CBS News, 21 June 2026 According to Encyclopedia Britannica, patriotism generally refers to attachment and commitment to one's country and the common good, whereas nationalism is often associated with loyalty to a particular national identity and can include beliefs about superiority or exclusion. — Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Cheap drones and missiles costing tens of thousands of dollars have repeatedly forced defenders to launch interceptors worth hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars, proving that future conflicts may be determined as much by cost-exchange ratios as by technological superiority. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for superiority

Recent Examples of Synonyms for superiority

Noun

The combination of arrogance and doctored intelligence that led the United States and its allies into the 2003 Iraq War is almost made for Hollywood.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 27 July 2026
This psychological phenomenon explains why initial impressions can be so strong, leading managers to react differently to similar employees, seeing confidence in one and arrogance in another.

— Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of arrogance

Noun

Second, individual excellence is prioritized over essential teamwork.

— Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Almost two decades ago, Gosen and some friends began looking for a way to celebrate Missouri’s bourbon legacy while also providing more guardrails to promote excellence across the industry.

— Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 21 July 2026

Definition of excellence

Noun

History, however, shows that nomination dominance does not always translate into Emmy glory.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 July 2026
But in the case of the Bulldogs and Crimson Tide, the programs’ SEC dominance has led to an intense series that’s put fans on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the next meeting this season.

— Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of dominance

Noun

Education was considered an individual pursuit marked by moral excellency and only the students who did the best in school would have proceeded to higher education.

— Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2024
Paradise Dynasty, Kang Kang, Long Xing Ji, Hui Tou Xiang, Min Min Pie House (and so many more) should all be household names worthy of recognition for their myriad styles and excellency.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2024

Definition of excellency

Noun

For Tully Luxury Travel COO Steven Salm, that distinction became immediately clear during a recent voyage aboard EXPLORA I.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 24 July 2026
Chuck Elliott, the parents-group activist, says Carlson deserved the distinction entirely on her own.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of distinction

Noun

Increasing popularity and selling as many tickets as is possible boosts revenues; revenues can be used to reinvest in infrastructure and to make tournaments better in the ongoing arms race for supremacy between the four Grand Slams.

— James Hansen, New York Times, 27 July 2026
But for at least this coming season, home will be in Philadelphia, alongside a talented cast that should be able to contend for an NBA title and certainly challenge the defending champion New York Knicks for Eastern Conference supremacy.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2026

Definition of supremacy

Noun

And the host is surprisingly game to poke fun at his own prickly Hollywood reputation, lending the entire hour-long episode a kind of comedy synergy that elevates it above the usual collection of reference jokes.

— Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026
The Sky have struggled with a somewhat problematic reputation for more than a decade, dating to the messy exit of Sylvia Fowles in 2014.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026