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
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of high horse
Noun
  • However, confidence can quickly turn into arrogance, so remember to stay grounded.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
  • The combination of arrogance and doctored intelligence that led the United States and its allies into the 2003 Iraq War is almost made for Hollywood.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 27 July 2026
Definition of arrogance
Noun
  • It is intended to replace the F-22 Raptor, which entered service in 2005 and remains one of the world’s most capable air-superiority fighters.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026
  • Maresca’s football, fundamentally, is based on finding the free man and creating numerical superiorities in different areas of the pitch, and the City players are well used to that after their time with Guardiola.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 30 July 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
  • These failures stemmed not from new vulnerabilities, but from basic security flaws like weak passwords and unauthenticated endpoints, and reliance on assumptions over robust controls.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Your assumption that your pension isn’t safe may not be true, and a good attorney may be able to help protect it.
    — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of assumption

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superiority complex
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Cite this Entry

“Superiority complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superiority%20complex. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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