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

The Reddit co-founder recently explained why their professional ambitions are paramount. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026

This all means that the toxicology report and the medical examiner’s review is paramount in an overdose death, and those take time and resources. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026

But the instant chemistry Brady Tkachuk showed on Florida’s top line with Barkov and Sam Reinhart is something that will be paramount to a bounceback season after the Panthers missed the playoffs in an injury-riddled 2025-26 campaign. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026

Theirs is the paramount love story here, which works well in some ways but less so in others, somehow diminishing the stakes of their respective longing for Edward Ferrars (George MacKay) and Willoughby (Frank Dillane). — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026