eminence

noun

em·​i·​nence ˈe-mə-nən(t)s 

1

: a position of prominence or superiority

2

: one that is eminent, prominent, or lofty: such as

a

: a person of high rank or attainments

—often used as a title for a cardinal

b

: a natural elevation

c

: an anatomical protuberance (as on a bone)

Synonyms of eminence

• dominance
• reputation
• superiority
• repute
• distinction
• supremacy
• renown

Examples of eminence in a Sentence

the eminence of the Nobel Prize in the field of awards and prizes

the old citadel sits on an eminence with a commanding view of the city

Recent Examples on the Web

For Ne’ilah, the eminence of humanity consists in the ability to repent and set things right before man and God. — Reuven Kimelman, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026

Tao is not the only mathematical eminence with a rather sudden change of heart. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 14 Sep. 2026

Lukas Dhont’s war drama Coward, yet another Cannes entry (the festival’s pre-eminence in this category continues), is another that critics are high on. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Three extraordinary new books, published this year, shed light on the brilliance and complexity of Morrison’s life and work, and place her as an American eminence, a visionary who saw fiction as a means through which to recast her country’s story. — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "exalted position, protuberance," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin eminentia "state of standing out or projecting, protuberance," noun derivative of ēminent-, ēminens "standing out above a surface, projecting, outstanding in merit or importance" — more at eminent

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing eminence

• gray eminence

Rhymes for eminence

• remanence
• preeminence

Kids Definition

eminence

noun

em·​i·​nence ˈem-ə-nən(t)s 

1

: the condition of being eminent

2

a

: a person of high rank or achievements

—often used as a title for a cardinal

b

: an area of high ground : height

Medical Definition

eminence

noun

em·​i·​nence ˈem-ə-nən(t)s 

: a protuberance or projection on a bodily part and especially a bone