PARAMOUNT Synonyms: 150 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

paramount 1 of 2

adjective

ˈper-ə-ˌmau̇nt

Definition of paramount

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in utmost

of the greatest or highest degree or quantity maintaining the secrecy of the agreement is of paramount importance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

paramount

2 of 2

noun

as in Big Brother

Related Words

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

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.

Recent Examples of paramount

Adjective

Getting losses down is of paramount importance to those clubs further down the pyramid, where Premier League riches are so far out of reach as to be a pipe dream. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 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 When deterrence fails, and use-of-force incidents take place, the footage is paramount in determining who is responsible and paving a path for justice. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 12 Aug. 2026 Security here is also paramount – one of the trumpets was stolen from its previous home in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo during the 2011 uprising. — Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paramount

Recent Examples of Synonyms for paramount

Adjective

In the Brazilian city of Cuiabá, the mayor, Abílio Brunini, prohibited one such championship from taking place in the city’s main public space.

— Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Next, workers will install new cables, bolted into the five main branches, to stabilize the tree before removing the old supports.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

Her reputation for excellence and the utmost integrity is well-earned.

— Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Being in the top 50 is of utmost importance as those players now get into all the signature events on the PGA Tour for 2027, which have larger purses and more FedEx Cup points available.

— Mike Fore, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of utmost

Noun

Big Brother competitions are a whole other animal than Survivor challenges.

— Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
Banijay’s big shows include MasterChef, Big Brother and Peaky Blinders, while the merger means the likes of juggernaut format The Traitors and evergreen drama Midsomer Murders get added to the mix from the All3 side.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of Big Brother

Adjective

Jeff Nichols is not only one of cinema’s foremost chroniclers of the American South, but is doing his damnedest to revitalize the film scene in his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Similarly, the world’s foremost perfumeries haven’t collaborated with elite motorcar brands.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of foremost

Adjective

While most cases have been concentrated in southern and central states due the warmer weather, recent research suggests climate change is warming water in northern and midwestern states, expanding the areas where the amoeba can be found.

— Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
On Sunday, Long Beach's high was 93 degrees and most of the area was under an extreme heat watch.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of most

Noun

But, ten years later, his embrace of near-totalitarian control bears the deep imprint of his most personal beliefs about force, weakness, faith, and order.

— Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2022
Ridicule only appeals to cool kids on coasts and the college towns and totalitarians.

— Letters to the Editor, Orange County Register, 17 Oct. 2020

Definition of totalitarian

Adjective

That becomes particularly important when organizations rely on pop-up conversations and informal check-ins as their primary means of staying aligned.

— Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
The vast majority of girls are enrolled in primary education, at a rate higher than for boys.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of primary

Adjective

One of the most powerful figures in Iran has said that the US campaign of maximum economic pressure will fail — in a further sign that Iran’s hardline leadership is unwilling to compromise despite a deepening economic crisis.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches, with maximum amounts of 5, are expected across the remainder of the Hawaiian islands.

— Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of maximum

Browse Nearby Words

paramilitary

paramount

paramountcy

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“Paramount.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paramount. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of paramount

adjective

noun

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