preeminence

noun

pre·​em·​i·​nence prē-ˈe-mə-nən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being preeminent : superiority

Synonyms

• choiceness
• distinction
• excellence
• excellency
• first-rateness
• greatness
• perfection
• primeness
• superbness
• superiority
• supremacy

Examples of preeminence in a Sentence

the restaurant is known for the preeminence of its seafood dishes

some historians contended that no nation had attained such undisputed preeminence since the glory days of the Roman Empire

Recent Examples on the Web

Recent, large, and sudden cuts seriously endanger American scientific preeminence and thus America's prosperity, social wellbeing, and national security. —Robert Hormats, Time, 18 May 2025

To dress up is to project power, possibility and preeminence. —Dave Schilling, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025

China has long sought to dislodge the dollar’s preeminence in favor of a multipolar currency system in which the Renminbi would be the star. —Drew Bernstein, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Populism was initially driven by fear of Islamic violence, not Jewish preeminence. —Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for preeminence

• eminence
• remanence

Kids Definition

preeminence

noun

pre·​em·​i·​nence prē-ˈem-ə-nən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being preeminent