superiority

noun

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

Synonyms of superiority

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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
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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.
Part of the reason for this is the Dodgers have entered a boring-great stage of hegemony, in which their superiority over the rest of the league is so pronounced that there is little to discuss on a day-to-day basis. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 30 June 2026 The United States, which can gobble up Olympic medals and force-feed its brand of football to a happy audience across the pond, has had to cede superiority to the rest of the world, unable to even get its own term for the game to catch on. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 We are encouraged to indulge our delusions about replacement theory and white male superiority and to surrender to our instincts toward incivility and division. — Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Critics argued that the message of a White man elevated above both a Native American and an African symbolized racial superiority. — Lee Cowan, CBS News, 21 June 2026 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

Phrases Containing superiority

Rhymes for superiority

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Browse Nearby Words

superior general
superiority
superiority complex
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Cite this Entry

“Superiority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superiority. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of superiority for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about superiority

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