SUPERIOR Synonyms: 332 Similar and Opposite Words

superior 1 of 2

adjective

su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər

Definition of superior

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in excellent

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

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as in outstanding

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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 superior

Adjective

The difference came in the second half when the Springboks reserves made their superior experience count and scored the winning try from a scrum. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 The dynamic echoes the Cold War, when NASA’s moon landings sought to project power and showcase on the world stage that technology produced by Western capitalism was superior to that of Eastern communism. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Noun

Employees go out for after-work parties (nomikai) to bond with their superiors. — Tim Brinkhof, Time, 23 July 2026 Jozef, still a seminarian who had entered the congregation and taken the name Damien only three years earlier, bypassed his immediate superiors and petitioned the higher orders in Paris to be allowed to take his place. — Literary Hub, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for superior

Recent Examples of Synonyms for superior

Adjective

The arrogant, brooding youth is gone almost entirely, and someone far more circumspect and humbled kneels before his older brother.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
The Fight for the Soul of College Football, as the Hurricanes’ bold, brash and arrogant style transformed college football into something closer to theater.

— Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of arrogant

Adjective

Though Hallegua and Josephai rarely meet, both are intensely proud of their ancient heritage.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Spanish-speaking students and staff at Oak Lawn Community High School are proud of their heritage and will share it with the larger community during a festival that celebrates Hispanic food and culture.

— Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of proud

Adjective

Albies is an excellent contact hitter, putting the bat on the ball, and driving the ball to the gaps.

— Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Located in the heart of the Marais, a restaurant at the Centre Pompidou would have to be pretty special to compete against all the excellent neighboring options.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Apple’s market dominance is built around September; moving away from tradition would upset the ecosystem supporting the launch and risk weakening the iPhone’s dominant position.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
There have been plenty of dominant teams in the 150-plus-year history of college football, but few have left a bigger mark on the sport than the Miami Hurricanes did during the 1980s.

— Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of dominant

Adjective

Historian Sandgruber describes how Alois Hitler wrote his 1895 letters in a deeply smug, anti-clerical manner that overestimated his abilities.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026
Li at times plays Cola with a smug impetuousness that belies her naivety about this world to a satisfying degree.

— Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 17 June 2026

Definition of smug

Adjective

For a vibrant alfresco experience, COYA City's courtyard provides lighter Peruvian dishes, ceviches, and superb cocktails, perfect for summer lunches.

— Lela London, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
The robot did a superb job of cleaning the floors, walls, and surface of my 16-by-32-foot in-ground pool.

— John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of superb

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“Superior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superior. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of superior

adjective

noun

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