If one thing or person is superiorto another, the first is better than the second.
We have a relationship infinitely superior to those of many of our friends. [+ to]
...a woman greatly superior to her husband in education and sensitivity.
Long-term stock market investments have produced superior returns compared with cashdeposits.
Synonyms: better, higher, greater, grander More Synonyms of superior
superiorityuncountable noun
He asserts the superiority of free enterprise over other economic systems. [+ over/to]
2. adjective
If you describe something as superior, you mean that it is good, and better than other things of the same kind.
A few years ago it was virtually impossible to find superior quality coffee in localshops.
Lulu was said to be of very superior intelligence.
3. adjective
A superior person or thing is more important than another person or thing in the same organization or system.
...negotiations between the mutineers and their superior officers.
Locally passed laws are of superior authority to those laws passed in the capital.
[Also + to]
Synonyms: higher-ranking, senior, higher-level, upper-level More Synonyms of superior
4. countable noun
Your superior in an organization that you work for is a person who has a higher rank than you.
Other army units are completely surrounded and cut-off from communication with theirsuperiors.
The company president, and my immediate superior, was the dynamic Harry Stokes.
5. adjective
If you describe someone as superior, you disapprove of them because they behave as if they are better, more important, or more intelligent than other people.
[disapproval]
Finch gave a superior smile.
You can stand there and feel superior as you point and laugh at them.
Synonyms: supercilious, patronizing, condescending, haughty More Synonyms of superior
superiorityuncountable noun
...a false sense of his superiority over mere journalists. [+ over]
Synonyms: supremacy, lead, advantage, excellence More Synonyms of superior
6. adjective
If one group of people has superior numbers to another group, the first has more people than the second, and therefore has anadvantage over it.
[formal]
The demonstrators fled when they saw the authorities' superior numbers.
His men were far superior numerically.
7. countable noun [poss NOUN, oft Nin n]
If you describe someone as your superior in a particular activity, you mean that they are better than you at that activity.
[written]
Anthony sometimes felt that his mistress was his superior in will-power.
His rival was probably his superior in comic roles.
More Synonyms of superior
superior in British English
(suːˈpɪərɪə)
adjective
1.
greater in quality, quantity, etc
2.
of high or extraordinary worth, merit, etc
3.
higher in rank or status
a superior tribunal
4.
displaying a conscious sense of being above or better than others; supercilious
5. (often postpositive; foll byto)
not susceptible (to) or influenced (by)
6.
placed higher up; situated further from the base
7. astronomy
a.
(of a planet) having an orbit further from the sun than the orbit of the earth
b.
(of a conjunction) occurring when the sun lies between the earth and an inferior planet
8.
(of a plant ovary) situated above the calyx and other floral parts
9. anatomy
(of one part in relation to another) situated above or higher
10. printing
(of a character) written or printed above the line; superscript
noun
11.
a person or thing of greater rank or quality
12. printing
a character set in a superior position
13. (often capital)
the head of a community in a religious order
▶ USAGE Superior should not be used with than: he is a better (not a superior) poet than his brother; his poetry is superior to (not superior than) his brother's
Derived forms
superioress (suˈperioress)
feminine noun
superiority (suːˌpɪərɪˈɒrɪtɪ) or rare superiorship (suːˈpɪərɪərʃɪp)
noun
superiorly (suˈperiorly)
adverb
Word origin
C14: from Latin, from superus placed above, from super above
Superior in British English
(suːˈpɪərɪə, sjuː-)
noun
Lake Superior
Superior in American English
(səˈpɪriər)
Lakelargest & westernmost of the Great Lakes, between Mich. & Ontario, Canada: 31,700 sq mi (82,103 sq km)
Word origin
orig. so called in Fr (Supérieur), from its position above Lake Huron
superior in American English
(səˈpɪriər)
adjective
1.
higher in space; placed higher up; upper
2.
high or higher in order, status, rank, etc.
3.
greater in quality or value than
with to
4.
above average in quality; excellent
5.
refusing to give in to or be affected by
with to
a person superior to temptation
6.
showing a feeling of being better than others; haughty
7.
more comprehensive or inclusive; generic
said of terms, concepts, etc.
8. Anatomy
located above or directed upward
9. Astronomy
a.
farther from the sun than the earth is: said of six planets
b.
designating that conjunction which occurs when the sun is directly between the earth and an inferior planet
10. Botany
a.
attached above some other organ, as the ovary of a hypogynous flower
b.
of the upper or adaxial petal of an axillary flower
11. Printing
placed above the type line, as 2 in x2
noun
12.
a superior person or thing
13.
the head of a religious community
Derived forms
superiorly (suˈperiorly)
adverb
Word origin
OFr < L, compar. of superus, that is above < super: see super-
Examples of 'superior' in a sentence
superior
They have to establish that they are morally superior to people who disagree with them.
Christianity Today (2000)
They live in a world where it seems they feel they are superior beings.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The horrified reaction of his religious superiors led to the idea being quickly dropped.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The end product is certainly a superior one.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
We have the knowledge to make a far superior synthetic alcohol.
The Sun (2009)
It was like encountering some superior intelligence from outer space.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The sound quality is superior to other devices.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Master and mistress say thou to their servants the superior to the inferior.
Hans Christian Andersen Andersen's Fairy Tales (1874)
Prices are per person for two people sharing a superior room.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Reading him is undemanding and might help make us feel superior.
The Times Literary Supplement (2010)
Religious superiors cannot be spared responsibility for enforcing prudence.
John Cornwell Seminary Boy (2006)
Do they really possess a superior intellect and work ethic?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
He lists the things his superior and the company do that help him and the things that hamper him.
Peter F. Drucker THE ESSENTIAL DRUCKER (2001)
Superior crime fiction set in Iceland is continuing to expand.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Like its subject, this book is effortlessly superior.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
By introducing the wolf to his domestic life, man reaped the benefits of a superior set of instincts.
Jan Fennell, Foreword by Monty Roberts THE DOG LISTENER: Learning the Language of your Best Friend (2002)
A study found almost all drivers consider themselves above average, and most rank themselves as superior.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
To my mind, it's also the superior book.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He turned a perturbed awkward face to his superior in rank, an older man, who was house steward.
Frances Hodgson Burnett Emily Fox-Seton (1901)
GB need to win to land first place because of the Brazil's superior goal difference.
The Sun (2012)
Word lists with
superior
lake
In other languages
superior
British English: superior /suːˈpɪərɪə/ ADJECTIVE
You use superior to describe someone or something that is better than other similar people or things.
...a woman greatly superior to her husband in education and sensitivity.
American English: superior
Arabic: فَائِق
Brazilian Portuguese: superior
Chinese: 优越的
Croatian: superioran
Czech: nadřazený
Danish: overlegen
Dutch: superieur
European Spanish: superior mejor
Finnish: parempi
French: supérieur
German: besser
Greek: ανώτερος
Italian: superiore
Japanese: 優れた
Korean: 우수한
Norwegian: overlegen
Polish: wyższy
European Portuguese: superior
Romanian: superior
Russian: высший
Latin American Spanish: superior excelente
Swedish: överlägsen
Thai: เหนือกว่า
Turkish: üstün
Ukrainian: кращий
Vietnamese: tốt hơn
British English: superior /suːˈpɪərɪə/ NOUN
Your superior in an organization that you work for is a person who has a higher rank than you.
They do not have much communication with their superiors.
American English: superior
Arabic: رَئِيس
Brazilian Portuguese: superior
Chinese: 上司
Croatian: nadređeni
Czech: nadřízený
Danish: overordnet
Dutch: meerdere
European Spanish: superior jefe
Finnish: esimies
French: supérieur
German: Vorgesetzter
Greek: προϊστάμενος
Italian: superiore
Japanese: 上役
Korean: 상사 상사
Norwegian: overordnet
Polish: przełożony
European Portuguese: superior
Romanian: superior
Russian: старший
Latin American Spanish: superior que manda, gobierna
Swedish: chef
Thai: ผู้บังคับบัญชา
Turkish: üst kalite/rütbe
Ukrainian: керівник
Vietnamese: thượng cấp
All related terms of 'superior'
Lake Superior
a lake in the N central US and S Canada : one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world and westernmost of the Great Lakes. Area: 82 362 sq km (31 800 sq miles)
superior room
A superior room is a room in a hotel that is more comfortable or has better amenities than other rooms.
mother superior
A Mother Superior is a nun who is in charge of the other nuns in a convent .
superior court
(in England) a higher court not subject to control by any other court except by way of appeal
superior planet
any of the planets ( Mars , Jupiter , Saturn , Uranus , Neptune , and (formerly) Pluto ) whose orbit lies outside that of the earth
mothers superior
the head of a community of nuns
superior opponent
In a sporting contest , your opponent is the person who is playing against you.
superior conjunction
the position of a planet when the sun lies between the earth and the planet
superior performance
Someone's or something's performance is how successful they are or how well they do something.
Chinese translation of 'superior'
superior
(suˈpɪərɪəʳ)
adj
(= better) 优(優)秀的 (yōuxiù de)
(= more senior) 上级(級)的 (shàngjí de)
(pej, = smug) 高傲的 (gāo'ào de)
n(c)
(in rank) 上级(級) (shàngjí)
superior to优(優)于(於) (yōu yú)
1 (adjective)
Definition
greater in quality, quantity, or usefulness
She was greatly superior in education.
Synonyms
better
I've been able to have a better car than I otherwise could have.
higher
greater
grander
preferred
prevailing
paramount
The welfare of the children must be of paramount importance.
surpassing
more advanced
predominant
He played a predominant role in shaping French economic policy.
unrivalled
more extensive
more skilful
more expert
a cut above (informal)
streets ahead (informal)
running rings around (informal)
Opposites
worse
,
inferior
,
not as good
,
less
,
poorer
,
lower
,
lesser
2 (adjective)
Definition
of very high quality or respectability
He's got a superior car, and it's easy to win races that way.
Synonyms
first-class
excellent
We complimented him on doing an excellent job.
first-rate
They were dealing with a first-rate professional.
good
You should read this book – it's really good.
fine
This is a fine book.
choice
The finest array of choicest foods is to be found within their Food Hall.
exclusive
distinguished
exceptional
His piano playing is exceptional.
world-class
He was determined to become a world-class tennis player.
good quality
admirable
The film tells its story with admirable economy.
high-class
a high-class jeweller's
high-calibre
de luxe
of the first order
sick (slang)
booshit (Australian, slang)
exo (Australian, slang)
sik (Australian, slang)
rad (informal)
phat (slang)
schmick (Australian, informal)
The band launch their schmick new CD next week.
Opposites
average
,
ordinary
,
inferior
,
mediocre
,
second-class
,
second-rate
,
unremarkable
,
substandard
,
no great shakes (informal)
,
half-pie (New Zealand, informal)
,
bodger or bodgie (Australian, slang)
3 (adjective)
Definition
higher in rank, position, or status
negotiations between mutineers and their superior officers
Synonyms
higher-ranking
senior
Television and radio needed many more women in senior jobs.
higher-level
upper-level
4 (adjective)
Definition
believing oneself to be better than others
Finch gave a superior smile.
Synonyms
supercilious
His manner is supercilious and arrogant.
patronizing
a patronizing attitude to the homeless
condescending
I'm fed up with your condescending attitude.
haughty
She spoke in a haughty tone.
disdainful
He gave us a disdainful glance and moved on.
lordly
their lordly indifference to patients
lofty
the lofty disdain he often expresses for his profession
airy
pretentious
stuck-up (informal)
She was a famous actress but she wasn't a bit stuck-up.
snobbish
I'd expected her to be snobbish but she was warm and friendly.
on your high horse (informal)
(noun)
Definition
a person of greater rank or status
my immediate superior
Synonyms
boss
He cannot stand his boss.
senior
director
He is the director of the unit.
manager
a retired bank manager
chief (informal)
The new leader is the deputy chief of the territory's defence force.
principal
the principal of the company
supervisor
a full-time job as a supervisor at a factory
sherang (Australian, New Zealand)
I am in touch with the head sherang at both sites
Opposites
junior
, subordinate,
inferior
,
assistant
,
cohort mainly US)
,
minion
,
underling
,
lackey
,
dogsbody
Usage note
Superior should not be used with than: He is a better (not a superior) poet than his brother; His poetry is superior to (not than) his brother's.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of admirable
Definition
deserving or inspiring admiration
The film tells its story with admirable economy.
Synonyms
praiseworthy,
good,
great (informal),
fine,
capital,
noted,
choice,
champion,
prime,
select,
wonderful,
excellent,
brilliant,
rare,
cracking (British, informal),
outstanding,
valuable,
superb,
distinguished,
superior,
sterling,
worthy,
first-class,
notable,
sovereign,
dope (slang),
world-class,
exquisite,
exemplary,
first-rate,
superlative,
commendable,
top-notch (informal),
brill (informal),
laudable,
meritorious,
estimable,
tiptop,
A1 or A-one (informal),
bitchin' (US, slang),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
ka pai (New Zealand),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang)
in the sense of chief
Definition
most important
The new leader is the deputy chief of the territory's defence force.
Synonyms
head,
leader,
director,
manager,
lord,
boss (informal),
captain,
master,
governor,
commander,
principal,
superior,
ruler,
superintendent,
chieftain,
ringleader,
suzerain,
ariki (New Zealand),
sherang (Australian, New Zealand)
in the sense of choice
Definition
of high quality
The finest array of choicest foods is to be found within their Food Hall.
Synonyms
best,
bad (slang),
special,
prime,
nice,
prize,
select,
excellent,
elect,
crucial (slang),
exclusive,
elite,
superior,
exquisite,
def (slang),
sick (slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
hand-picked,
dainty,
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal)
Synonyms of 'superior'
superior
Explore 'superior' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of condescending
I'm fed up with your condescending attitude.
Synonyms
patronizing,
lordly,
superior,
lofty,
snooty (informal),
snobbish,
disdainful,
supercilious,
toffee-nosed (slang, British),
on your high horse (informal)
in the sense of director
Definition
a member of the governing board of a business, trust, etc.
He is the director of the unit.
Synonyms
controller,
head,
leader,
manager,
chief,
executive,
chairperson,
boss (informal),
producer,
governor,
principal,
administrator,
supervisor,
organizer,
helmer,
sherang (Australian, New Zealand)
in the sense of disdainful
He gave us a disdainful glance and moved on.
Synonyms
contemptuous,
scornful,
arrogant,
superior,
proud,
sneering,
aloof,
haughty,
derisive,
supercilious,
high and mighty (informal),
hoity-toity (informal),
turning up your nose (at),
on your high horse (informal),
looking down your nose (at)
in the sense of excellent
Definition
exceptionally good
We complimented him on doing an excellent job.
Synonyms
outstanding,
good,
great (informal),
fine,
prime,
capital,
noted,
choice,
champion,
cool (informal),
select,
brilliant,
very good,
cracking (British, informal),
crucial (slang),
mean (slang),
superb,
distinguished,
fantastic (informal),
magnificent,
superior,
sterling,
worthy,
first-class,
marvellous,
exceptional,
terrific (informal),
splendid,
notable,
mega (slang),
topping (British, slang),
sovereign,
dope (slang),
sick (slang),
world-class,
exquisite,
admirable,
exemplary,
wicked (slang),
first-rate,
def (slang),
superlative,
top-notch (informal),
brill (informal),
nang (British, slang),
pre-eminent,
meritorious,
estimable,
tiptop,
bodacious (slang, US),
boffo (slang),
the dog's bollocks (taboo, slang),
jim-dandy (slang),
A1 or A-one (informal),
bitchin' (US, slang),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang),
bakgat (South Africa)
in the sense of exceptional
Definition
having much more than average intelligence, ability, or skill
His piano playing is exceptional.
Synonyms
remarkable,
special,
excellent,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
superior,
first-class,
marvellous,
notable,
phenomenal,
first-rate,
prodigious,
unsurpassed,
one in a million,
bodacious (slang, US),
unexcelled
in the sense of fine
Definition
very good
This is a fine book.
Synonyms
excellent,
good,
great (informal),
striking,
choice,
beautiful,
masterly,
select,
rare,
very good,
supreme,
impressive,
outstanding,
magnificent,
superior,
accomplished,
sterling,
first-class,
divine (informal),
exceptional,
splendid,
world-class,
exquisite,
admirable,
skilful,
ornate,
first-rate,
showy,
bakgat (South Africa)
in the sense of first-rate
Definition
of the best quality
They were dealing with a first-rate professional.
Synonyms
excellent,
outstanding,
first class,
exceptional,
mean (slang),
topping (British, slang),
top,
tops (slang),
prime,
cool (informal),
crack (slang),
cracking (British, informal),
crucial (slang),
exclusive,
superb,
mega (slang),
sovereign,
dope (slang),
sick (slang),
world-class,
admirable,
wicked (slang),
def (slang),
superlative,
second to none,
top-notch (informal),
brill (informal),
tiptop,
bodacious (slang, US),
boffo (slang),
the dog's bollocks (taboo, slang),
jim-dandy (slang),
A1 or A-one (informal),
bitchin' (US, slang),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal)
in the sense of good
Definition
positive moral qualities
You should read this book – it's really good.
Synonyms
excellent,
great (informal),
fine,
pleasing,
capital (old-fashioned),
choice,
crucial (slang),
acceptable,
pleasant,
worthy,
first-class,
divine,
splendid,
satisfactory,
superb,
enjoyable,
awesome (slang),
dope (slang),
sick (slang),
world-class,
admirable,
agreeable,
super (informal),
pleasurable,
wicked (slang),
bad (slang),
first-rate,
tiptop,
bitchin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang)
in the sense of haughty
Definition
having or showing excessive pride or arrogance
She spoke in a haughty tone.
Synonyms
proud,
arrogant,
lofty,
high,
stuck-up (informal),
contemptuous,
conceited,
imperious,
snooty (informal),
scornful,
snobbish,
disdainful,
supercilious,
high and mighty (informal),
overweening,
hoity-toity (informal),
on your high horse (informal),
uppish (British, informal)
in the sense of high-class
a high-class jeweller's
Synonyms
high-quality,
top (slang),
choice,
U (British, informal, old-fashioned),
select,
exclusive,
elite,
superior,
posh (informal, British),
classy (slang),
top-flight,
upper-class,
swish (informal, British),
first-rate,
up-market,
top-drawer (old-fashioned),
ritzy (slang),
tip-top (old-fashioned),
high-toned (old-fashioned),
A1 or A-one (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of lofty
Definition
unpleasantly superior
the lofty disdain he often expresses for his profession
Synonyms
haughty,
lordly,
proud,
arrogant,
patronizing,
condescending,
snooty (informal),
disdainful,
supercilious,
high and mighty (informal),
toffee-nosed (slang, British)
in the sense of lordly
Definition
haughty or arrogant
their lordly indifference to patients
Synonyms
proud,
arrogant,
lofty,
stuck-up (informal),
patronizing,
dictatorial,
condescending,
imperious,
domineering,
overbearing,
haughty,
tyrannical,
despotic,
disdainful,
high-handed,
supercilious,
high and mighty (informal),
toffee-nosed (slang, British),
hoity-toity (informal)
in the sense of manager
Definition
a person who manages an organization or business
a retired bank manager
Synonyms
supervisor,
head,
director,
executive,
boss (informal),
governor,
administrator,
conductor,
controller,
superintendent,
gaffer (informal, British),
proprietor,
organizer,
comptroller,
overseer,
sherang (Australian, New Zealand)
in the sense of paramount
Definition
of the greatest importance
The welfare of the children must be of paramount importance.
Synonyms
principal,
prime,
first,
chief,
main,
capital,
primary,
supreme,
outstanding,
superior,
dominant,
cardinal,
foremost,
eminent,
predominant,
pre-eminent
in the sense of patronizing
a patronizing attitude to the homeless
Synonyms
condescending,
superior,
stooping,
lofty,
gracious,
contemptuous,
haughty,
snobbish,
disdainful,
supercilious,
toffee-nosed (slang, British)
in the sense of predominant
Definition
being more important or noticeable than others
He played a predominant role in shaping French economic policy.
Synonyms
principal,
leading,
important,
prime,
controlling,
ruling,
chief,
capital,
primary,
supreme,
prominent,
superior,
dominant,
sovereign,
top-priority,
ascendant
in the sense of principal
Definition
a person who holds one of the most important positions in an organization
the principal of the company
Synonyms
boss,
head,
leader,
director,
chief (informal),
master,
ruler,
superintendent,
sherang (Australian, New Zealand)
in the sense of schmick
The band launch their schmick new CD next week.
Synonyms
excellent,
outstanding,
good,
great (informal),
fine,
prime,
capital,
noted,
choice,
champion,
cool (informal),
select,
brilliant,
very good,
cracking (British, informal),
crucial (slang),
mean (slang),
superb,
distinguished,
fantastic (informal),
magnificent,
superior,
sterling,
worthy,
first-class,
marvellous,
exceptional,
terrific (informal),
splendid,
notable,
mega (slang),
topping (British, slang),
sovereign,
dope (slang),
sick (slang),
world-class,
exquisite,
admirable,
exemplary,
wicked (slang),
first-rate,
def (slang),
superlative,
top-notch (informal),
brill (informal),
pre-eminent,
meritorious,
estimable,
tiptop,
bodacious (slang, US),
boffo (slang),
the dog's bollocks (taboo, slang),
jim-dandy (slang),
A1 or A-one (informal),
bitchin' (US, slang),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang)
in the sense of senior
Definition
higher in rank or length of service
Television and radio needed many more women in senior jobs.
Synonyms
higher ranking,
superior
in the sense of sherang
I am in touch with the head sherang at both sites
Synonyms
boss,
manager,
head,
leader,
director,
chief,
executive,
owner,
master,
governor (informal),
employer,
administrator,
supervisor,
superintendent,
gaffer (informal, British),
or woman or person">foreman or woman or person,
overseer,
kingpin,
big cheese (old-fashioned, slang),
numero uno (informal),
Mister Big (slang, US)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of snobbish
I'd expected her to be snobbish but she was warm and friendly.
Synonyms
superior,
arrogant,
stuck-up (informal),
patronizing,
condescending,
snooty (informal),
pretentious,
uppity (informal),
high and mighty (informal),
toffee-nosed (slang, British),
hoity-toity (informal),
high-hat (informal, US),
uppish (British, informal)
in the sense of stuck-up
Definition
proud or snobbish
She was a famous actress but she wasn't a bit stuck-up.
Synonyms
snobbish,
arrogant,
conceited,
proud,
patronizing,
condescending,
snooty (informal),
haughty,
uppity (informal),
high and mighty (informal),
toffee-nosed (slang, British),
hoity-toity (informal),
swollen-headed,
bigheaded (informal),
uppish (British, informal)
in the sense of supervisor
a full-time job as a supervisor at a factory
Synonyms
boss (informal),
manager,
superintendent,
chief,
inspector,
administrator,
steward,
gaffer (informal, British),
or woman or person">foreman or woman or person,
overseer
in the sense of world-class
Definition
being as good as anyone else in the world in a particular field
He was determined to become a world-class tennis player.