How to Pronounce Superior

To pronounce "superior", say SUP-er-ior — 3 syllables, IPA /suːˈpɪəɹi.ə(ɹ)/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

superior

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

8

Letters

/suːˈpɪəɹi.ə(ɹ)/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “superior”

"superior" has 3 syllables: sup-er-ior. It rhymes with inferior and ulterior, if that helps it stick.

What does superior mean?

noun

  1. A person of higher rank or quality.
  2. The senior person in a monastic community.

adjective

  1. Higher in quality.

    “Rebecca had always thought shorts were far superior to pants, as they didn't constantly make her legs itch.”

  2. Higher in rank.

Synonyms

overling

Antonyms

inferior

Hear “superior” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with superior

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

inferiorulterioranteriorexteriorcheerierweariereeriercenteriorinterior

Related words

finetopnotchtop-holepremiumqualitysuperbsuperexcellent

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "superior"?▾

"Superior" has 3 syllables: sup · er · ior.

What is the IPA transcription of "superior"?▾

The IPA transcription of "superior" is /suːˈpɪəɹi.ə(ɹ)/.

What does "superior" mean?▾

Superior: A person of higher rank or quality.

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