as in bumptiousness
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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
-
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
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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
-
Too few compliments make kids feel slighted, while too many can inspire arrogance.—
Wayne Parker,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Adam McKay’s toxically smug dissection of Dick Cheney fails to take the full measure of this monstrous vice-president, but even so, Bale taps into something elemental about the man’s arrogance and domineering personality.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Throughout the litigation, Live Nation disputed the government’s theory, insisting that its success reflects the superiority of its product and the preferences of venues and consumers.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The Illusion of Division Invincibility The reality of the NFL is that superiority is as fragile as a wet paper towel.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
However, in the wrong hands, being silent can signal disdain and superciliousness.—
Matteo Atti,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Leaders of the Upper Basin states also are raising objections, saying the Interior Department’s current options rely on flawed assumptions, fail to impose large enough cuts on the Lower Basin and go beyond the federal government’s authority.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
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This assumption breaks down in a world that shifts in real time.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Superiority complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superiority%20complex. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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