paramount

¹par·a·mount

adjective \ˈper-ə-ˌmau̇nt, ˈpa-rə-\

Definition of PARAMOUNT

: superior to all others : supreme <a matter of paramount importance>

— par·a·mount·cy \-ˌmau̇n(t)-sē\ noun

— par·a·mount·ly \-ˌmau̇nt-lē\ adverb

Examples of PARAMOUNT

1. <the paramount goal is to restore the colonial-era house with complete historical accuracy>
2. <maintaining the secrecy of the agreement is of paramount importance>

Origin of PARAMOUNT

Anglo-French paramont, from par by (from Latin per) + amunt above, from a to (from Latin ad) + munt mountain — more at for, at, mount

First Known Use: 1531

Related to PARAMOUNT

Synonyms

arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, foremost, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supreme

Antonyms

last, least

Related Words

distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior; high-level, senior, top; important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant; incomparable, matchless, unequaled (or unequalled), unparalleled, unsurpassed; celebrated, famed, famous, renowned

Near Antonyms

inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant; collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary

See Synonym Discussion at dominant

Rhymes with PARAMOUNT

bank discount, body count, cash discount, catamount, no-account, on account, rediscount, take the count, tantamount, trade discount, undercount

²paramount

noun

Definition of PARAMOUNT

: a supreme ruler

First Known Use of PARAMOUNT

1616

Par·a·mount

geographical name \ˈpa-rə-ˌmau̇nt\

Definition of PARAMOUNT

city SW California N of Long Beach pop 55,266