inferiors

noun

plural of inferior
as in subordinates
one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another she is nice to her inferiors as well as to her superiors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 inferiors That comes to the Philippines in the form of war, as well as through the invocation, or establishment, of American-style modes of government and education that place Filipinos along this racial hierarchy, identifying them as these inferiors that need to be taught how to govern themselves. — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inferiors
  1. subordinates
  2. underlings
Noun
  • Many Hindus today identify as Shaivas, Vaishnavas, or Shaktas, sectarian groups that, respectively, worship Shiva, Vishnu, or Shakti as supreme, with all other deities considered as manifestations or subordinates.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The judge found that the three did, in fact, violate the charter, which states that council members may not interfere with appointments or removals in the city manager’s office, or give orders to the city manager’s subordinates.
    — Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of subordinates
Noun
  • Scarface doesn’t just bark orders at his underlings but browbeats the whimpering Ventriloquist, giving him that warped double personality that made older characters like Two-Face so alluring.
    — Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Rumors of relationships between executives and underlings went around on campus.
    — Claire Stapleton, New Yorker, 18 July 2026
Definition of underlings

Browse Nearby Words

inferiorly
inferiors
infernal
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Cite this Entry

“Inferiors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inferiors. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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