superiority complex

Definition of superiority complexnext

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 complex His superiority complex results in every seeming slight getting added to his list of offenses, while his lack of self-esteem (which of course often comes with a superiority complex) ensures that the decency of others further fuels his rage. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026 This gulf has long been a source of misunderstandings, superiority complexes and also humor. Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 26 Nov. 2025 Narcissists are known for their sense of entitlement, self-centeredness, superiority complex, and condescending attitude toward others. Angela Haupt, Time, 30 Oct. 2025 The Neun are your bosses, with excessively potent abilities and superiority complexes to match. Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Regarding the supporting cast, Dave is a white, privileged dude with a superiority complex, and in the show, he’s surrounded by people of color who challenge his perception of himself. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 July 2025 Khan is arrogant and has maintained his superiority complex towards his Arlen neighbors. Denise Petski, Deadline, 10 July 2025 Newsom’s comments definitely embody that superiority complex that can sometimes shine in the Golden State. Tom Philp, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2025 However, because a superiority complex is so closely related to narcissistic personality disorder, experts theorize that the effects of NPD can sometimes overlap with the effects of a superiority complex. Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 Aug. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superiority complex
Noun
  • The Air sign likes to advise those in need, and will get up on their high horse and grandstand so their views can be heard.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Next week, Weapons finally faces a contender with a good shot at knocking it off its high horse.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Raised on a strict diet of toughness and discipline by his father, Dean arrives with undeniable talent – and an arrogance that quickly earns him enemies.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Things moved about at the top with a little more arrogance and zip but at the bottom was the ever-moving present.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Despite the contradiction, this strategy worked because elites are universally perceived as out of touch with the real world – with privileged and sheltered life experience that begets a sense of superiority.
    Alexa Beck, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The result is a battlefield where concealment is harder, decision cycles are faster, and information superiority increasingly depends on who can best collect, process, and act on what their satellites see.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • However, in the wrong hands, being silent can signal disdain and superciliousness.
    Matteo Atti, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • After an open meeting on Wednesday, Federal Communications Chair Brendan Carr said that networks should operate under the assumption that shows like The View, Jimmy Kimmel Live!
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Certainly, Hondo looks pretty reflective and concerned in one of the first look stills as events challenge his legacy and his assumptions about authority, so sense of self.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Superiority complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superiority%20complex. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!