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superiority complex

noun

Definition of superiority complexnext
as in bumptiousness

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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 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 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
  1. high horse
  2. arrogance
  3. superiority
  4. superciliousness
  5. assumption
Noun
  • Buck has long since dismounted from his high horse, but people who live in glass houses that are also occupied by Mike Darnell should probably be a bit more judicious when hucking rocks.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Not that Slusser cares or is interested because her moral high horse is far too tall to allow for much research, but Hentges was non-tendered by the Cleveland Guardians after the 2025 season.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of high horse
Noun
  • What might seem arrogance in others feels merely reasonable coming from her.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But while that might suggest arrogance, Dawson’s answer to another question reflects humility.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of arrogance
Noun
  • Many Germans had believed their country had developed an immunity to nationalism and assertions of racial superiority after confronting the horrors of its Nazi past through education and laws to outlaw persecution.
    — Kirsten Grieshaber, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Only truly sophisticated taste, in this code, grasps the superiority of deprivation over the more ethnic notions of actual comfort and good food.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of superiority
Noun
  • However, in the wrong hands, being silent can signal disdain and superciliousness.
    — Matteo Atti, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Definition of superciliousness
Noun
  • There’s an assumption that the second half is Shakespeare’s, but scholars continue to quarrel over attribution.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • While Gaetz and Pizzo have fought for the family’s reunification, some of Zuraff’s family members have spoken out and said lawmakers are making assumptions about the case without knowing the full circumstances.
    — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of assumption

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superiority
superiority complex
superiorly
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Cite this Entry

“Superiority complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superiority%20complex. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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