paramount 1 of 2

Definition of paramountnext

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

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
Picking the right weight for each situation is paramount. Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 2 Apr. 2026 Offensive tackles are a tough position to fill on either side of the line, but with a right-handed quarterback like Jared Goff in the backfield, protecting his blindside is paramount. Logan Brown, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026 Communication is paramount for any successful defense. Mike Kaye march 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026 Keeping him healthy is paramount for a lineup that isn’t projected to be particularly powerful. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paramount
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paramount
Adjective
  • Shuttle services have been arranged to transport journalists between the media center and a hotel in the city’s main shopping mall.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • But the leak appeared to get worse when the service module fired its main engine for the translunar injection burn on Day 2 of the flight, according to Amit Kshatriya, NASA’s associate administrator.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Given the structure's historic landmark status, preserving heritage was of utmost importance.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Look for pieces with backs and plush outdoor cushions on the seats, or cozy up to metal-and-wood furniture with fluffy pillows for the utmost comfort.
    Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • He has been actively involved in BBBS for more than 15 years, twice serving as a Big Brother in the program.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Other emerging San Francisco bands at that time include Jefferson Airplane (featuring Grace Slick), Big Brother & the Holding Company (featuring Janis Joplin), Country Joe and the Fish, and a young Mexican-American named Carlos Santana who kicked away his eponymous band just down the road in 1966.
    Mike Hanlon March 22, New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Since then, Beijing cut off most of its official dialogue with Taiwan's government in the capital Taipei and started sending military planes and vessels towards the island on a daily basis.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Because most moviegoers aren’t necessarily familiar with the technical aspects of getting inside a character.
    Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
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
  • The filmmaking team that has worked on the last nine or 10 Saw films did an extraordinary job, [and] James Wan has become one of the foremost filmmakers in that space since working on [the first] Saw.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026
  • And of course, the foremost reason is nobody could image into the brain before, until photon microscopy became available.
    Amanda Erickson, STAT, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • As far back as preseason testing, some teams questioned the maximum recharge of 250 kilowatts achieved through super clipping, given that the battery can harvest up to 350kW and this cap is achieved when drivers lift-and-coast into corners.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Sangha faces a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Biden put this sentiment into action by working with Netanyahu despite serious moral and political failures in Gaza, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on NATO expansion, and with Gulf potentates on the region’s security architecture.
    James Jeffrey, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2025
  • Why don’t all the rich potentates, sheiks, oligarchs and MAGA dictators meet and fix it?
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Paramount.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paramount. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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