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

But if nationalism is a hunger for prestige and preeminence, America’s self-image as the City on a Hill is nationalism in embryo. — Dominic Erdozain, Time, 3 July 2026

Technology Supremacy Long an area of preeminence, America now faces enormous competition in this area from China and from domestic policy decisions that are threatening to erode our advantages. — Michael P. Dempsey, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

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

In the current budget, $40 million was set aside for preeminence funding, which went to the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida International University and the University of South Florida. — Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 29 May 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