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

Relevance

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 Advertisement Thirdly, place names should not be used to proclaim cultural superiority, advance territorial ambitions, or assert exclusive national ownership over geographical spaces shared among different peoples. — Reuben Rose-Redwood, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 Forest had the bulk of the chances in a gritty second period but could not make its superiority count. — ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026 The wicker man’s superiority makes all the villagers feel ashamed. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 If military superiority alone could end wars, then Afghanistan and Iraq would have been relatively easy American wins. — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for superiority

Recent Examples of Synonyms for superiority

Noun

But the Workers’ Party (PT) leader, who was accused of arrogance and of failing to understand the needs of young gig-economy workers, shook up his strategy, said Igor Gielow in Folha de São Paulo.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 31 Oct. 2026
McVay and Snead have effectively built a culture of arrogance.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of arrogance

Noun

At Equinox, Mastronardi has been responsible for leading operational excellence, employee and member experience, financial performance and process innovation across all club offerings.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
Her campaign emphasized fiscal responsibility, parental involvement and academic excellence.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of excellence

Noun

With every piece of news about a Democratic pickup, a historic win or a complete rout on Tuesday, 24 years of Republican dominance in Georgia fell away a little more completely.

— Patricia Murphy, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026
The northern/central part of Canada The US… Because of our geographic isolation and military/naval dominance, the US basically doesn’t have to worry about anything but nukes.

— David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 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

The robot’s withdrawal also prompted discussion about the distinction between demonstrating mobility and sustaining it under demanding conditions.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
The distinction matters because, under New York law, falsifying business records isn’t a felony unless it’s done with an intent to commit or conceal a separate crime.

— Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of distinction

Noun

Plus, with back-to-back Olympic silvers, France has emerged as the primary threat to American basketball supremacy on the international stage.

— Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2026
Perhaps the first step back to relevancy for Boston College is regaining state supremacy.

— Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of supremacy

Noun

This early risk awareness later defined his policy position, as Knot gained a reputation during his tenure as Dutch central bank governor for aggressively combating inflation, enforcing fiscal discipline, and safeguarding financial stability.

— , CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Despite Hell Week's reputation as one of the military's most punishing endurance tests, more candidates drop out during the preceding weeks than during Hell Week.

— James LaPorta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026