superiority

noun

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

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.
This condition is what philosopher Charles Mills, speaking of the American context, labeled epistemological ignorance—a deliberate unknowing, an insistence on the myth of white superiority, of white exceptionalism. Christine Winter, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025 And so Tyla’s comments were also taken as an insinuation of superiority over Black people. Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025 The intent is to level the playing field, not to enshrine racial superiority or inferiority. Ina Fried, Axios, 19 Feb. 2025 Costner presents these perspectives with a sincere tone that lacks any hint of cynicism or moral superiority. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 6 Feb. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Superiority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superiority. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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