superiority

noun

su·​pe·​ri·​or·​i·​ty su̇-ˌpir-ē-ˈȯr-ə-tē How to pronounce superiority (audio)
ˌsü-,
-ˈär-
plural superiorities
: the quality or state of being superior
also : a superior characteristic

Examples of superiority in a Sentence

His success has given him a false sense of superiority. the superiority of some of the customers at the exclusive beauty salon is enough to curl your hair
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Being the world's most valuable company is not a sign of permanent superiority. Nur Hikmah Md Ali, CNBC, 10 July 2025 What To Know According to a French intelligence report shared with the Associated Press, Chinese diplomats worked to publicize the downing of Rafale jets during the conflict while promoting the superiority of Chinese fighter aircraft. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025 Given his army’s inexperience and ill-discipline, the enemy’s numerical superiority, the lack of vital supplies, and his long-standing desire of adding Texas to the federal union, his withdrawal strategy was the most prudent option. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Instead, Gaza has long been a grueling fight against Hamas, which relies on guerrilla tactics to counter Israel’s military superiority. Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for superiority

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superiority was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Superiority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superiority. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

superiority

noun
su·​pe·​ri·​or·​i·​ty su̇-ˌpir-ē-ˈȯr-ət-ē How to pronounce superiority (audio)
-ˈär-
plural superiorities
: the state or fact of being superior

More from Merriam-Webster on superiority

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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