paramount 1 of 2

paramount

2 of 2

noun

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
Noun
Blending the tiles, in both color and size, is paramount. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2025 Staying hydrated is paramount for any outdoor activity, and especially for challenging hikes. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 28 Aug. 2025 For many Israeli officials, the goal of eradicating Hamas was paramount, and allowing aid into Gaza was seen as contrary to that goal. Tom Bowman, NPR, 28 Aug. 2025 Learning by doing is paramount. Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paramount
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paramount
Adjective
  • Punk is deeply tied into current main-event storylines with real-life married couple Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, so the impending couples brawl is a great story.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The stages of the eclipse include penumbral and umbral phases, which refer to the two main parts of the shadow that the moon casts.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • More Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images Hill missed time during training camp with a nagging injury, a time when reps are of the utmost importance to regain the trust of his quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In these cases, where each of you have a strong leg to stand on, conflict resolution requires the utmost dedication to helping each other understand, while also prioritizing what’s best for the relationship as a whole.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Katherine Woodman of 'Big Brother' talks 'aggressive verbiage' around Rylie Jeffries, moreLooking for a free mini puzzle?
    David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Who won the Power of Veto on 'Big Brother'?
    Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The semiconductor industry and the equipment that support that industry are showing robust continuous growth in most parts of the world supporting consumer, industrial and data center applications.
    Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Throughout most of the game, the Bears were dominating the day.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
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
  • But that would not address the fundamental goal of the protests: to end the totalitarian stranglehold that has subjected the Cubans to an unbearable serfdom.
    Néstor T. Carbonell, National Review, 16 July 2021
Adjective
  • In the 2026 midterm election cycle, each House seat is worth fighting for to the maximum extent since majorities are built on the smallest of legislative margins.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • At maximum capabilities, Paluel is the second largest nuclear power station in France and the seventh largest in the world by power output.
    Theo Burman Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Why don’t all the rich potentates, sheiks, oligarchs and MAGA dictators meet and fix it?
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • With the pandemic, the year-round population of a once-seasonal resort town swelled with Manhattan refugees, those in the Trump orbit, and tech and finance potentates, many of them serious collectors like Ken Griffin and Steve Ross.
    Ben Widdicombe, Vulture, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    Agni Ghosh, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Now, one of the family’s foremost talents has struck out on her own, pioneering a new roster of wines that reflect her own passions and interests.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paramount.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paramount. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on paramount

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!