superior

Better than something else, or better than usual.

• This coat uses superior materials.
• The new model is superior to the old one.
• We paid more for superior quality.

How to use it: superior to someone/something (This fabric is superior to the cheaper material.)

Similar words: better, higher-quality

Opposites: inferior

Common phrases: superior quality, superior performance, superior to something

Higher than someone or something else in rank, status, or quality.

• He reported to a superior officer.
• The case went to a superior court.
• They claimed their social position was superior to ours.

How to use it: superior to someone/something (Her position is superior to mine in the organization.)

Similar words: higher, senior

Opposites: inferior

Common phrases: superior rank, superior officer, superior status

Located above another part, especially in the body.

• The scan shows the superior surface.
• This muscle is superior to the damaged area.
• The surgeon examined the superior border of the bone.

How to use it: superior to something (The heart lies superior to the stomach.)

Similar words: upper

Opposites: inferior

Common phrases: superior surface, superior border, superior to something

Including more groups or types than another category does.

• The diagram shows a superior category.
• A genus is superior to a species in this system.
• Each small group belongs to a superior group.

How to use it: superior to something (In this classification, the family is superior to the genus.)

Similar words: broader, more inclusive

Opposites: narrower

Common phrases: superior category, superior group

Someone with a higher rank or position than you, especially at work.

• Ask your superior first.
• She reported the problem to her superiors.
• His immediate superior approved the request.

Similar words: boss, manager

Opposites: subordinate

Common phrases: immediate superior, someone’s superior

The person in charge of a community of monks or nuns.

• The superior welcomed the new nun.
• They elected a new superior for the monastery.
• Mother superior called everyone together for prayer.

Similar words: overling

Common phrases: mother superior, convent superior, monastery superior