as in bumptiousness
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Recent Examples of superiority complex
Wednesday has a diabolical superiority complex.
—
Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 6 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, thanks to an infusion of new faces and a change in attitude, the superiority complex that once accelerated Italian soccer’s decline has finally given way to the acceptance that change must occur from within.
—David Ferrini, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Two of the leads hated each other — the British stage actor thought the scruffy newcomer was a snot-nosed punk, and his younger co-star felt the veteran thespian was a drunk with a superiority complex.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 June 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
Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 6 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, thanks to an infusion of new faces and a change in attitude, the superiority complex that once accelerated Italian soccer’s decline has finally given way to the acceptance that change must occur from within.
—David Ferrini, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Two of the leads hated each other — the British stage actor thought the scruffy newcomer was a snot-nosed punk, and his younger co-star felt the veteran thespian was a drunk with a superiority complex.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 June 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
-
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
-
The release of the files was going to expose the actions of their political opponents and place the president atop a moral high horse.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 July 2025
Noun
-
Mitchell prides himself on being a no-nonsense, no-bulls*** kind of man, but his attitude can sometimes come across as arrogance.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
-
This arrogance is not just limited to tech titans.—
Christian Josi,
Boston Herald,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Timothy Olyphant, again, sells the superiority well.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Originally from Ohio, Howard would whisper-speak his lectures to a crowded room, describing with fatigued superiority people (including his family) who couldn’t properly appreciate Nijinsky.—
Rivka Galchen,
New Yorker,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Success comes from choosing intentionally based on individual goals, financial circumstances, and career objectives rather than following outdated assumptions about what career preparation requires.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Contrary to popular assumptions, children experiencing food insecurity do not necessarily appear underweight.—
Oona Hanson,
CNN Money,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
However, in the wrong hands, being silent can signal disdain and superciliousness.—
Matteo Atti,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Superiority complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superiority%20complex. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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