1
as in greatest
coming before all others in importance
the preeminent reason for the booming economy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chief
highest in rank or authority
the preeminent golfer of his generation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in outstanding
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement
a meeting of preeminent scientists from around the world
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preeminent
Leonard Lauder, who died in June at the age of 92, made his mark not only as a cosmetics magnate and philanthropist but also as one of the past half-century’s preeminent art collectors.
—
Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2025
In the last two decades, China has become much more assertive of its ambitions to be the preeminent power in space this century.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
By then, the preeminent fashion genius of the third quarter of the 20th century and the designer so often credited with inventing the modern woman’s wardrobe had handed prêt-à-porter over to his assistants, who clung as if by commandment to the house dogma of bourgeois Parisian elegance.
—Rob Haskell, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
Big Bear is known to Angelenos as the region’s preeminent skiing destination, thanks to its impressive affordability and the presence of Big Bear Mountain Resort.
—Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preeminent
Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2025
In the last two decades, China has become much more assertive of its ambitions to be the preeminent power in space this century.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
By then, the preeminent fashion genius of the third quarter of the 20th century and the designer so often credited with inventing the modern woman’s wardrobe had handed prêt-à-porter over to his assistants, who clung as if by commandment to the house dogma of bourgeois Parisian elegance.
—Rob Haskell, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
Big Bear is known to Angelenos as the region’s preeminent skiing destination, thanks to its impressive affordability and the presence of Big Bear Mountain Resort.
—Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preeminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preeminent
Adjective
-
The ship returned to PortMiami as scheduled Saturday morning, according to Carnival chief communications officer Chris Chiames.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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Much like Blue Origin’s chief competitor, SpaceX — which has long been a dominant force in the commercial launch business — Blue Origin rockets are designed to be partially reused in order to drive down costs.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The Directors Guild of America has named the nominees for its 2025 awards in the outstanding directorial achievement in television, commercials and documentary categories.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
7 Jan. 2026
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The Hollywood Reporter snagged a nomination again for outstanding magazine overall coverage in a list that also includes The Advocate, Cosmo, Gaye Magazine, Out, People, Poz, Rolling Stone, Time and Variety.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
And one of its main ingredients was a hair product – Afro Sheen.—
Sonari Glinton,
NPR,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Then the Orion capsule will fire up its main thruster and shoot off towards the Moon on its 240,000-mile, four-day journey.—
The Week,
TheWeek,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Despite the massive buildout, Al Khateeb assured the crowd that protecting the natural environment remains a foremost concern of Saudi Arabia’s government.—
Angelica Ang,
Fortune,
30 Oct. 2025
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The unscripted series pairs Snooki with Kevin Whitaker, one of Canada’s foremost psychic mediums.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The evening convenes business and government leaders, distinguished military representatives and dignitaries to honor the military and veteran community, which is one of Harry's close causes.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
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The two-time Ivy League graduate and distinguished attorney has already penned multiple books that topped The New York Times bestsellers list.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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At this point, Lawrence needs a commanding postseason display to turn that around.—
Larry Holder,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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The Colorado Avalanche solidified their lead atop the Central Division on Sunday, emphatically, building a commanding lead and giving Minnesota Wild fans precious little to cheer about.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
22 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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One of the world’s most prestigious art events, Miami Art Week began with Art Basel Miami Beach in 2002 and has since grown into a citywide celebration that draws nearly 80,000 art lovers and tastemakers.—
Staff Author,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
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As a result, the job of BBC director general — though certainly prestigious —is also relentless and thankless.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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This discount shall apply only to the primary residence of the user and shall not apply to separate irrigation meters.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
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Last season’s Most Improved Player was the primary defender on Dončić, who was held to 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting from the field in 27 minutes.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preeminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preeminent. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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