preeminence

noun

pre·​em·​i·​nence prē-ˈe-mə-nən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being preeminent : superiority

Synonyms

• 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

Americans should remain confident in the effectiveness and preeminence of the U.S. transplant system. —James F. Markmann, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025

Musk’s preeminence marks a profound shift in the history of American political economy. —Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025

Moreover, despite being heavily sanctioned, Cuba continues to have prominence—even preeminence—on the world stage thanks to its renowned cigars. —Kevin Rozario, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025

The rising cost of dinner and a movie reflects a wider trend: Besides recent inflation, a strong dollar and the preeminence of U.S. capital markets have pushed prices up across America over the past decade-plus. —Greg McKenna, Fortune, 27 June 2025

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