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
• highest
• foremost
• primary
• predominant
• dominant
• key
• first
• supreme
• big
• leading
• chief
• principal
• central
• overriding
• great
• cardinal
• prior
• premier
• sovereign
• master
• number one
• overbearing
• important
• primal
• preeminent
• capital
• distinguished
• No. 1
• top
• outstanding
• major
• overmastering
• sovran
• grand
• eminent
• numero uno
• notable
• superior
• noteworthy
• senior
• prestigious
• arch
• stellar
• illustrious
• signal
• influential
• unequalled
• 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
• unequalled
• unrivalled
• biggest
• unparalleled
• 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
• caudillo
• dictator
• king
• ruler
• oppressor
• sovereign
• leader
• fuehrer
• master
• despot
• führer
• prince
• dominator
• autarch
• tsar
• strongman
• kingpin
• queen
• caesar
• czar
• baron
• monarch
• lord
• mogul
• tyrannizer
• captain
• magnate
• tzar
• sovran
• 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

Noun

Some experts argue that education is even more paramount in the age of AI. —Nino Paoli, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025

In that list, the free exercise of religion is paramount. —Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025

While moderate by Western standards, such sentiments remain anathema to Thailand’s ruling elite, and judging by the fate of the progressive movement’s previous leadership, Natthaphong knows any intention to reform this paramount institution paints an enormous target on his back. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Sep. 2025

Prevention of re-injury is paramount to avoiding long-term effects. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025