Racial hierarchy is a term used to describe the social structure that reinforces certain races above others. However, this terminology can be problematic and may reinforce negative stereotypes and relationships. Instead, some people prefer to use alternative terms such as social stratification based on race, racial classification, or systemic racism. Each term describes the same social phenomena, but each offers a different perspective on the root of inequality. These synonyms for the term racial hierarchy facilitate conversations about the unequal treatment of different races and can aid in the search for social justice. Using alternative terminology may help to address the challenges associated with the concept of racial hierarchy.