su·pe·ri·or
su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər 
1
: situated higher up : upper
2
: of higher rank, quality, or importance
3
: courageously or serenely indifferent (as to something painful or disheartening)
4
a
: greater in quantity or numbers
escaped by superior speed
b
: excellent of its kind : better
her superior memory
5
: being a superscript
6
a
of an animal structure
: situated above or anterior or dorsal to another and especially a corresponding part
a superior artery
b
of a plant structure
: situated above or near the top of another part: such as
(1)
of a calyx
: attached to and apparently arising from the ovary
(2)
of an ovary
: free from the calyx or other floral envelope
7
: more comprehensive
a genus is superior to a species
8
: affecting or assuming an air of superiority : supercilious
superiorly
adverb
1
: one who is above another in rank, station, or office
especially
: the head of a religious house or order
2
: one that surpasses another in quality or merit
3
Synonyms
Adjective
- arrogant
- assumptive
- bumptious
- cavalier
- chesty
- haughty
- high-and-mighty
- high-handed
- high-hat
- highfalutin
- hifalutin
- huffish
- huffy
- imperious
- important
- lofty
- lordly
- masterful
- overweening
- peremptory
- pompous
- presuming
- presumptuous
- pretentious
- self-asserting
- self-assertive
- sniffy
- stiff-necked
- supercilious
- toplofty
- toploftical
- uppish
- uppity
Noun
Examples of superior in a Sentence
Adjective
This new model offers superior performance.
The small army was overwhelmed by superior numbers.
He only helps us because it makes him feel superior.
Report to your superior officer.
The verdict was reversed by a superior court.
Noun
His superior gave him an excellent evaluation.
You should report any problems to your immediate superior.
Recent Examples on the Web
Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2024
But my experiments and purchases were motivated less by an innate lust for superior coffee and more by a vague sense, absorbed osmotically from my cultural milieu, that better coffee was something adults strive for.
—Peter C. Baker, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024
The cast aluminum construction means superior heat conduction and the two-wheeled design coupled with a light 60-pound body make this grill easy to maneuver.
—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2024
The quick-drying material is superior for wear during beach vacations or spring break, plus, the soft slip-on design also positions them as a great airport shoe for maximum comfort while strolling through TSA.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 30 Mar. 2024
For me, the superior twist on a gameday staple was the al pastor burger ($16, Pagoda Plaza stand).
—The Indianapolis Star, 28 Mar. 2024
There may be uncomfortable moments for Biden if the Trump case goes to trial, with the Justice Department all but claiming that Trump’s mental faculties are superior to Biden’s.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2024
The all-in-one smart TV features an IQ Processor that powers and enhances picture performance, a Full Array LED Backlight that distributes LEDs evenly for light uniformity and superior picture and Active Pixel Tuning that automatically adapts picture for richer contrasts and color accuracy.
—Anna Tingley, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024
With high-cut legs, superior compression, and a racer back, this shimmery suit is built for performance.
—Kristine Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2024
Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024
While Levy was out, before his superior revealed the falsehoods in the email, prosecutors tried to get the defense to accept a plea deal for decades in prison, but ultimately agreed to a resolution that required only a four-year term.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024
The attacks have demoralized an already weak police force, said Esperance, noting that rank-and-file officers have abandoned some posts and are no longer taking orders from superiors.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024
Listen actively to understand the perspectives and insights shared by colleagues and superiors.
—Ebony Flake, Essence, 5 Feb. 2024
This is particularly important today when more and more people and teams fall victim to mistakes due to over-eagerness—on their part or the part of their superiors or their clients—to accept a plan.
—Dominik Szot, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024
Surely someone must know of her son’s criminal record and tragic fate, and yet, her superiors keep making excuses for her behavior.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 22 Feb. 2024
Prabowo has denied any wrongdoing, saying his missions were sanctioned by superiors.
—Tribune News Service, Orange County Register, 14 Feb. 2024
Managers unable to convincingly answer that question to their superiors could see their headcount reduced.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2024
Adjective
Its ergonomic features, including adjustable armrests and lumbar support, ensure superior comfort and support for extended periods.
—Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2024
But my experiments and purchases were motivated less by an innate lust for superior coffee and more by a vague sense, absorbed osmotically from my cultural milieu, that better coffee was something adults strive for.
—Peter C. Baker, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024
The cast aluminum construction means superior heat conduction and the two-wheeled design coupled with a light 60-pound body make this grill easy to maneuver.
—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2024
The quick-drying material is superior for wear during beach vacations or spring break, plus, the soft slip-on design also positions them as a great airport shoe for maximum comfort while strolling through TSA.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 30 Mar. 2024
For me, the superior twist on a gameday staple was the al pastor burger ($16, Pagoda Plaza stand).
—The Indianapolis Star, 28 Mar. 2024
There may be uncomfortable moments for Biden if the Trump case goes to trial, with the Justice Department all but claiming that Trump’s mental faculties are superior to Biden’s.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2024
The all-in-one smart TV features an IQ Processor that powers and enhances picture performance, a Full Array LED Backlight that distributes LEDs evenly for light uniformity and superior picture and Active Pixel Tuning that automatically adapts picture for richer contrasts and color accuracy.
—Anna Tingley, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024
With high-cut legs, superior compression, and a racer back, this shimmery suit is built for performance.
—Kristine Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2024
Noun
Eventually, Carlo reported the problems to his superiors.
—Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024
While Levy was out, before his superior revealed the falsehoods in the email, prosecutors tried to get the defense to accept a plea deal for decades in prison, but ultimately agreed to a resolution that required only a four-year term.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024
The attacks have demoralized an already weak police force, said Esperance, noting that rank-and-file officers have abandoned some posts and are no longer taking orders from superiors.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024
Listen actively to understand the perspectives and insights shared by colleagues and superiors.
—Ebony Flake, Essence, 5 Feb. 2024
This is particularly important today when more and more people and teams fall victim to mistakes due to over-eagerness—on their part or the part of their superiors or their clients—to accept a plan.
—Dominik Szot, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024
Surely someone must know of her son’s criminal record and tragic fate, and yet, her superiors keep making excuses for her behavior.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 22 Feb. 2024
Prabowo has denied any wrongdoing, saying his missions were sanctioned by superiors.
—Tribune News Service, Orange County Register, 14 Feb. 2024
Managers unable to convincingly answer that question to their superiors could see their headcount reduced.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'superior.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near superior
Cite this Entry
“Superior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superior. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
superior
1 of 2 adjective
su·pe·ri·or
su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər
1
: situated higher up : upper
2
: of higher rank, quality, or importance
3
: courageously or calmly indifferent (as to something painful)
4
a
: greater in quantity or numbers
escaped by superior speed
b
: excellent of its kind : better
a superior memory
5
: covering or including more things
a genus is superior to a species
6
: feeling that one is better or more important than others
superiorly
adverb
superior
2 of 2 noun1
: one who is above another in rank, station, or office
especially
: the head of a religious house or order
2
: one that goes beyond another in quality or merit
Medical Definition
superior
adjective
su·pe·ri·or
su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər
1
: situated toward the head and further away from the feet than another and especially another similar part of an upright body especially of a human being
the superior medial edge of the patient's right scapula—J. M. Lewis
compare inferior sense 1
J. M. Lewis2
: situated in a more anterior or dorsal position in the body of a quadruped compare inferior sense 2
Geographical Definition
Superior
geographical name
Su·pe·ri·or
su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər
city and port on Lake Superior in northwestern Wisconsin population 27,244
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