preeminence

noun

pre·​em·​i·​nence prē-ˈe-mə-nən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being preeminent : superiority

Synonyms of preeminence

• excellence
• excellency
• superiority

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

This shall pass, and American preeminence in science will be restored. — Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 16 June 2026

Roshanara was elevated when Aurangzeb claimed the throne but had to relinquish her preeminence on her sister’s restoration. — Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Mar. 2026

Still, due to such limitations, the rights of proxies do not have the same ethical preeminence as real autonomy exercised by an individual herself or himself. — Adam W. Gaffney, STAT, 18 May 2026

The preeminence of hard tech listings derives from the Chinese central government’s push to turn China into an advanced manufacturing powerhouse. — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2026

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