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
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The aircraft’s multi-role design also gives commanders greater flexibility in employing it for different missions rather than limiting it to the traditional air-superiority role associated with earlier Eagle variants. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026 Decide for yourself whether that’s a bold indicator of English football’s superiority over the rest of the world, or a revolting symbol of the bloated and vulgar behemoth that the game has become. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 More than 120 other Reddit users supported the statement, bolstering it with their own proof of its superiority like photos of the state’s pristine sand and crystal clear water more akin to the Caribbean than the Midwest. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026 One side is struggling to turn military superiority into lasting political gains, while the other may need only to survive to claim victory. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 27 Aug. 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 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about superiority

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