superior 1 of 2

adjective

su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər How to pronounce superior (audio)
Definition of superiornext
1
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude that superior sportscaster lets it be known that he thinks all foreign baseball teams are second-rate

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2
as in proud
having or displaying feelings of scorn for what is regarded as beneath oneself the superior attitude of the store owner's son drove the other employees crazy

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3
as in excellent
of the very best kind a five-star restaurant known for its superior wine list

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4
as in outstanding
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement a university known for attracting superior scientists and mathematicians

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superior

2 of 2

noun

as in boss
one who is above another in rank, station, or office if a customer is rude to you, report it to your superior and she'll handle it

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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 superior
Adjective
Rodrigues, showcasing superior strength and resilience, landed powerful calf kicks and strikes, though Hernandez mounted a strong comeback attempt in the third round. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Using her superior footspeed and interior shot-making chops, the former South Carolina standout scored 16 while anchoring the Valkyries’ 2-3 zone. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
High achievers seek out new opportunities, consistently deliver strong results and earn the trust of their superiors. — Kim Meninger, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 So Parker telephoned the base posing as the doctor of Adams’ supposedly ailing mother and talked the young soldier’s superiors into issuing an emergency furlough. — Dan Kelly july 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for superior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superior
  1. arrogant
  2. proud
  3. excellent
  4. outstanding
  5. boss
  6. cavalier
  7. superb
  8. distinguished
Adjective
  • Each of these decisions laid the groundwork for the war on Iran today, one that started without a clear strategy on the arrogant expectation of a quick victory.
    — Alexander Langlois, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The data center industry is only one face of an arrogant oligarchy that people believe now runs Congress, the courts, the White House, state legislatures and local governments.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of arrogant
Adjective
  • Turns out America’s enthusiasm for itself has gone into a bit of a rut—more than 80% of Americans felt proud in 2010, but only 53% feel that way today.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The New York Film Festival is proud to welcome back Cinephile for our fifth year of NYFF Trivia Night events during the festival at the EBM Amphitheater!
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of proud
Adjective
  • Alas, this excellent advice goes into one of Joe’s ears and out the other.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Owls are predators whose eyes are positioned on the front of their heads, giving them excellent depth perception.
    — Abigail Witmer, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Colbert also made a virtual appearance last week to accept the award for outstanding achievement in variety, talk or sketch from the Television Critics Association Awards.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Wright has had an outstanding camp coming off his best season.
    — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of outstanding
Noun
  • But will the new Fed boss keep investors guessing on the central bank’s rate path and his views on the Treasury’s intervention in the bond market?
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Rebels are likely to be favored when Golding hosts his former boss in Week 3.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of boss
Adjective
  • Perhaps most viscerally, given the ever-present specter of nuclear annihilation during the Cold War, Capps was appalled by Falwell’s apocalyptic rhetoric and cavalier posture toward global destruction.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
  • What comes off as cavalier risk-taking is really a cover for something much more nihilistic.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of cavalier
Adjective
  • Head baker Lou Turner (formerly pastry chef at Obelix, a French bistro in the city’s River North) churns out superb pastries that invite obsession.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The winery is also known for superb musical performances that Paine gets through his relationship with a top tier entertainment manager.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • Our distinguished community of musical-theater actors deserves greater challenges and if theaters don’t train audiences to take a risk on newer material, its embrace will be yet harder in generations to come.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Satsky’s attorney, Robert Anello of New York, told The Charlotte Observer Tuesday that his client has a distinguished 30-year career in finance and an unblemished reputation for integrity.
    — Chase Jordan August 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of distinguished

Browse Nearby Words

superintends
superior
superiority
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Cite this Entry

“Superior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superior. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on superior

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about superior

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