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

• distinction
• dominance
• noteworthiness
• paramountcy
• preeminence
• preponderance
• preponderancy
• prepotency
• prestigiousness
• primacy
• superiority
• supremacy
• transcendence

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

The eminence whom the film casts as the prime mover of benevolent governance is Nelson Rockefeller, a liberal Republican (the breed wasn’t uncommon then) who was the state’s governor from 1959 to 1973. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2025

Thanks to courses in communication studies, students are schooled in the evolving business models of the creative industries, and dive into allyship and advocacy through sound studies and the school’s eminence in audiology. —Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025

But adults going gaga for the Rizzler cannot be what passes for culture in the interim — not least because their endorsement signals to a nation of other impressionable children that asinine eminence is something to aspire to. —Helen Holmes, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025

At Davos Worldwide, his eminence Shyalpa Rinpoche and other global leaders outlined the Four Pillars for Lasting Peace: 1. —Dr. Adil Dalal, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

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