supremacy

noun

su·​prem·​a·​cy sə-ˈpre-mə-sē How to pronounce supremacy (audio)
sü-,
 also  -ˈprē-
plural supremacies
1
: the quality or state of being supreme
especially : a position of unquestioned authority, dominance, or influence
military/naval supremacy
In the 20th century, two completely different models of how to run an economy battled for supremacy. Bill McKibben
Natal's well-watered valleys … became by the end of the 18th century the site of a contest for supremacyNoel Mostert
Every high school boasts its elite squad of lookers: sparkling teeth, merciless anatomy, sunny filaments of hair … . Between classes, they parade down the halls, trooping their supremacies like Clydesdales. Richard Lacayo
2
: ultimate authority or power
belief in the supremacy of God

Examples of supremacy in a Sentence

the Roman empire had supremacy over the entire Mediterranean world the supremacy of cashmere among wools accounts for its high price
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Global Competition Is Fiercer Than Ever While the U.S. once held an undisputed lead in R&D, nations such as China, Germany and Japan are rapidly closing the gap, vying for supremacy in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum science and sustainable energy technologies. Justin Schwartz, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 And while the watch world has had a Formula 1 obsession as of late—as brands compete for supremacy in the sport—this watch actually flew under the radar for a time, with Leclerc wearing it all the way back at the Bahrain GP a month ago without anyone really noticing. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 May 2025 But its willingness to weaponize the supply chain may be one of the starkest examples of how Mr. Xi is redefining China’s relationship with the world and challenging the supremacy of the United States like no Chinese leader before him. David Pierson, New York Times, 10 May 2025 Under the supremacy clause, if there is a conflict between federal and state governments, judges must prioritize federal laws. Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for supremacy

Word History

Etymology

supreme + -acy (as in primacy)

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of supremacy was in 1540

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Supremacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supremacy. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

supremacy

noun
su·​prem·​a·​cy sə-ˈprem-ə-sē How to pronounce supremacy (audio)
plural supremacies
1
: the quality or state of being supreme
2
: supreme authority or power

More from Merriam-Webster on supremacy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!