Synonyms of paramount

paramount 1 of 2

adjective

ˈper-ə-ˌmau̇nt 

1

as in main

coming before all others in importance

the paramount goal is to restore the colonial-era house with complete historical accuracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• main
• greatest
• foremost
• highest
• primary
• predominant
• dominant
• key
• big
• supreme
• first
• leading
• chief
• principal
• central
• overriding
• cardinal
• great
• prior
• premier
• sovereign
• master
• number one
• overbearing
• primal
• important
• preeminent
• capital
• distinguished
• outstanding
• top
• major
• overmastering
• grand
• eminent
• numero uno
• notable
• superior
• noteworthy
• senior
• arch
• prestigious
• stellar
• illustrious
• signal
• influential
• high-level
• unparalleled
• momentous
• incomparable
• significant
• noble
• mighty
• star
• unsurpassed
• unequaled
• renowned
• celebrated
• famous
• famed
• matchless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• least
• last
• unimportant
• negligible
• minor
• trivial
• insignificant
• secondary
• slight
• subordinate
• inferior
• inconsequential
• collateral
• inconsiderable
• trifling
• subsidiary

2

as in utmost

of the greatest or highest degree or quantity

maintaining the secrecy of the agreement is of paramount importance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• utmost
• most
• maximum
• ultimate
• supreme
• last
• uttermost
• max
• largest
• outside
• consummate
• nth
• top
• unparalleled
• biggest
• unrivaled
• unequaled
• unsurpassed
• unmatched
• uppermost
• topmost
• upmost
• hugest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• least
• minimal
• minimum
• slightest
• smallest
• lowest
• minutest
• tiniest
• littlest
• fewest

paramount

2 of 2

noun

as in Big Brother

Related Words

• Big Brother
• totalitarian
• potentate
• overlord
• chief
• autocrat
• authoritarian
• monocrat
• pharaoh
• warlord
• boss
• tyrant
• king
• caudillo
• dictator
• ruler
• oppressor
• sovereign
• leader
• master
• despot
• prince
• führer
• dominator
• autarch
• strongman
• kingpin
• queen
• caesar
• czar
• baron
• monarch
• lord
• tyrannizer
• mogul
• captain
• magnate
• tycoon
• disciplinarian
• taskmaster
• enforcer
• martinet
• discipliner

Synonym Chooser

How is the word paramount different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of paramount are dominant, predominant, and preponderant. While all these words mean "superior to all others in influence or importance," paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction.

unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign

When is dominant a more appropriate choice than paramount?

The meanings of dominant and paramount largely overlap; however, dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling.

a dominant social class

Where would predominant be a reasonable alternative to paramount?

While in some cases nearly identical to paramount, predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence.

a predominant emotion

When might preponderant be a better fit than paramount?

The synonyms preponderant and paramount are sometimes interchangeable, but preponderant applies to an element or factor that outweighs all others in influence or effect.

preponderant evidence in her favor

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of paramount

Adjective

Finding fresh dollars is critically paramount for departments becoming more creative by the day. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

The group will have paramount responsibility in a UCLA offense set to feature optionality and run-pass-option tendencies. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 17 Aug. 2026

In turn, Hall is an extremely important player for Jets success in 2026, meaning his health is paramount. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Accuracy, specificity, and consistency are paramount, beginning with how each staffer writes their recipes, and in how senior editors edit them. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026