preeminent

adjective

pre·​em·​i·​nent prē-ˈe-mə-nənt 

: having paramount rank, dignity, or importance : outstanding, supreme

preeminently adverb

Did you know?

What is noteworthy about the following sentence? "Mount Kilimanjaro is a prominent eminence on the Tanzanian landscape." You very likely recognized two words that are closely related to preeminent: prominent and eminence. All three words are rooted in the Latin verb stem -minēre, which is taken to mean "to stand out" though there is no record of its use without a prefix. Mount also deserves an honorable mention: it comes from the Latin mont- or mons, meaning "mountain," which is understood to share a common ancestor with -minēre. Mount leads us in turn to paramount, a word closely related in meaning to preeminent.

Synonyms of preeminent

• greatest
• main
• highest
• primary
• foremost
• dominant
• predominant
• leading
• big
• first
• principal
• chief
• supreme

Examples of preeminent in a Sentence

She's the preeminent chef in a city that has many good ones.

The poem is a preeminent example of his work.

Recent Examples on the Web

Miami attorney Ira Kuzban, one of the country’s preeminent immigration lawyers, said the government is wrong that Rubio’s letter is not reviewable by a court. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026

Our excitement is a function of both the secular opportunity and the benefits of approaching it with the world’s preeminent talent firm. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 10 June 2026

Martoglio is a preeminent military policy expert, still actively contributing to America’s national security, strategic planning, and global military affairs. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026

The old-school glamour comes with a prime location, steps from Hong Kong’s preeminent business and shopping district. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin praeeminent-, praeeminens, from Latin, present participle of praeeminēre to be outstanding, from prae- + eminēre to stand out — more at eminent

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for preeminent

• eminent
• remanent

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Kids Definition

preeminent

adjective

pre·​em·​i·​nent prē-ˈem-ə-nənt 

: having supreme rank, dignity, or importance : outstanding

preeminently adverb