paramount

1 of 2

adjective

par·​a·​mount ˈper-ə-ˌmau̇nt How to pronounce paramount (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
: superior to all others : supreme
a matter of paramount importance
Unemployment was the paramount issue in the election.
paramountcy noun
paramountly adverb

paramount

2 of 2

noun

: a supreme ruler
Choose the Right Synonym for paramount

dominant, predominant, paramount, preponderant mean superior to all others in influence or importance.

dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling.

a dominant social class

predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence.

a predominant emotion

paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction.

unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign

preponderant applies to an element or factor that outweighs all others in influence or effect.

preponderant evidence in her favor

Examples of paramount in a Sentence

Adjective the paramount goal is to restore the colonial-era house with complete historical accuracy maintaining the secrecy of the agreement is of paramount importance
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Amidst this hiring spree, discerning the nuanced differences and synergies between tax strategists and CPAs becomes paramount. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 In aristocracies across the globe, rank and title are paramount. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 5 Mar. 2024 Targeted Audience: Understanding the target audience is paramount for brands seeking sponsorship opportunities. King Holder, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2024 This authentic approach builds trust and loyalty, mirroring the principles of traditional PR where relationship-building is paramount. Aurelie Sauthier, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Even amid discussion of these other issues, the question of the trial’s timing was arguably paramount. Alan Feuer, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 At the end of just about every stovetop recipe is a key directive that seems to elude some: Taste, and season with more salt and pepper, as desired. Also known as seasoning to taste, this instruction is paramount in recipes, because everyone’s taste buds are different. Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2024 Education is paramount, and anything other than a quality education at school is unacceptable. Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less. Destiny Torres, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 PoH Enables Decentralized Trustworthy Computing Security and trust are paramount in the digital era, especially for AI computing tasks outsourced to an unknown service provider in a decentralized AI network. Max (chong) Li, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paramount.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

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

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paramount was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near paramount

Cite this Entry

“Paramount.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paramount. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

paramount

adjective
par·​a·​mount
ˈpar-ə-ˌmau̇nt
: superior to all others : supreme
of paramount importance

Geographical Definition

Paramount

geographical name

Par·​a·​mount ˈper-ə-ˌmau̇nt How to pronounce Paramount (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
city in southwestern California north of Long Beach population 54,098

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