as in bumptiousness
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
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
Noun
-
To put it nicely, James is high horse moral blowhard on a lot of things, and one is being vegan.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
20 May 2026
-
Don’t get on your high horse about something and try to push your views on a friend, group or organization.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
5 May 2026
Noun
-
The problem is that without Humility, confidence easily becomes arrogance, decisiveness becomes impulsive, and expertise becomes a barrier to learning.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
In Polis’ case, so does arrogance.—
Mark Barabak,
Mercury News,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Ryan Tintner, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman’s space superiority systems division, said the company is combining advanced missile defense technologies with commercial-sector partnerships to support Golden Dome priorities.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
1 June 2026
-
The threshold for superiority has shape-shifted throughout NBA history.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
However, in the wrong hands, being silent can signal disdain and superciliousness.—
Matteo Atti,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The first is the buy-back clause Real Madrid insisted upon when Paz was sold to Como; the assumption is that it will eventually be activated.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
-
Pla2na/Getty Images Many Americans spend decades building a retirement plan around the simple assumption that their monthly Social Security benefits will provide a reliable source of income no matter what happens with their finances or the economy.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Superiority complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superiority%20complex. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
