supreme

adjective

su·​preme sə-ˈprēm How to pronounce supreme (audio)
sü-
1
: highest in rank or authority
the supreme commander
especially : in a position of unquestioned authority, dominance, or influence
the nation's supreme leader
This Constitution … shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. U.S. Constitution
In that house Lady Fawn reigned supreme, and no one ever doubted, for a moment, as to obedience. Anthony Trollope
On the runways, glitter and gorgeousness ruled supremeLiza Foreman
see also supreme being
2
: greatest in degree, quality, or intensity
supreme satisfaction/pleasure/indifference
His was the perfect poise, the supreme confidence in self, which nothing could shake …Jack London
3
: characterized by highest excellence or achievement : outstanding
supreme among musicians
a supreme athlete
… does not a supreme poet blend light and sound into one, calling darkness mute, and light eloquent?George Eliot
4
a
: ultimate, final
soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice
b
: of utmost importance : crucial
… I knew exactly what I wanted to do as an adult. I would study dinosaurs, a firm conviction inspired by one supreme moment of childhood terror dissipated by fascination—my first look at Tyrannosaurus rex in the American Museum of Natural History.Stephen Jay Gould
supremely adverb
a supremely [=extremely] confident performer/player
supremely important ideas
supremeness noun

Examples of supreme in a Sentence

The board has supreme authority over such issues. She has an air of supreme confidence about her. the supreme example of what not to do a problem of supreme importance It's a matter of supreme indifference to her.
Recent Examples on the Web Beyoncé's surprise birthday guest was a supreme choice. Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2023 Indeed, following one’s dream is the story’s supreme moral good. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2023 This is what Putin’s Russia has been reduced to: a feudal system in which the supreme leader hands out pieces of property to his vassals to manage or delegates functions to them at his subjects’ expense. Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 22 Aug. 2023 The gripping film, which marks Bonello’s most ambitious to date, is set in a near future where artificial intelligence reigns supreme and human emotions have become a threat. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 24 Aug. 2023 In addition to being named one of the best trail shoes of 2023 by Runners World, the Altra Lone Peak 7s are one of my favorite pairs for their supreme cushioning, unwavering traction, and natural-feeling fit. Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2023 The lamb is braised overnight for up to 10 hours, lending supreme tenderness to each bite. Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2023 Leave time between sets for some supreme snacking Game, set, snack! Sonal Dutt, Peoplemag, 22 Aug. 2023 The handwritten thank-you note still reigns supreme. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'supreme.' 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

Latin supremus, superlative of superus upper — more at superior

First Known Use

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of supreme was in 1513

Dictionary Entries Near supreme

Cite this Entry

“Supreme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supreme. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

supreme

adjective
su·​preme sə-ˈprēm How to pronounce supreme (audio)
sü-
1
: highest in rank or authority
2
: highest in degree or quality
3
: greatest in degree
giving one's life is the supreme sacrifice
supremely adverb
supremeness noun
Etymology

from Latin supremus, a form of superus "upper," from super "over, above"

More from Merriam-Webster on supreme

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