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
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 preeminent
With the lyricism of John McPhee and scientific bona fides rivaling any academic geologist, Brannen is in a class of his own as the preeminent scribe of Earth science today.
—
Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2025
The 24-year-old backstop rose through the ranks as one of the preeminent catching prospects in the sport because of his bat.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
In June, Putin approved a new naval doctrine aimed at restoring Russia’s status as a preeminent naval power.
—Galip Dalay, Time, 19 Aug. 2025
The Global Boardroom Program supplements geography Boardroom Programs, and hosts a series of important webinar discussions with preeminent panelists to help boards and executives of global companies to stay current and challenge perceived wisdom.
—Lara Abrash, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preeminent
Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2025
The 24-year-old backstop rose through the ranks as one of the preeminent catching prospects in the sport because of his bat.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
In June, Putin approved a new naval doctrine aimed at restoring Russia’s status as a preeminent naval power.
—Galip Dalay, Time, 19 Aug. 2025
The Global Boardroom Program supplements geography Boardroom Programs, and hosts a series of important webinar discussions with preeminent panelists to help boards and executives of global companies to stay current and challenge perceived wisdom.
—Lara Abrash, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preeminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preeminent
Adjective
-
Those changes will likely start with a new chief soccer officer.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Zubeck most recently served as chief financial officer of Mesa Airlines and prior to that in multiple executive roles at Alaska Airlines.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Five years Signing a left-back was a priority for West Ham, and the 20-year-old Senegal international, one of the outstanding players in the Czech league last season, looks a real prospect.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Goode and Bell make this team because of their special teams contributions, and McClendon’s outstanding training camp earned him an extended stay on Miami’s practice squad.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
2 Sep. 2025
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
-
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
Adjective
-
Following compilation, our expert panel of distinguished cloud industry veterans conducts the evaluation and ranking process, with these leaders also empowered to suggest additional companies for consideration.—
Bessemer Venture Partners,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, distinguished Russian navy crew members assigned to the Yasen-M-class cruise missile submarine Krasnoyarsk were awarded medals and promoted to higher military ranks.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Meghan is more commanding and confident this time around—her preppy-chic wardrobe and carefully curated soundtrack add polish, while the guest lineup gives the show depth and warmth.—
Sophia A. Nelson,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
-
The New York Yankees once had a commanding lead in the American League East.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Taylor Swift, Beyoncé Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, The Weeknd and Lady Gaga, who led the pack in 2025 with 12 total nominations, were all nominated in for the prestigious artist of the year award.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Ferrari Given his name, Adam Driver was seemingly predestined to play the man behind the world's most prestigious sports car.—
Hannah Kerns,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This particular finding presents a more nuanced framing of gun violence and challenges dominant narratives about Chicago’s violence that have plagued the city’s reputation for decades.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Google’s browser is now even more dominant, increasing its share to more than 70%.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preeminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preeminent. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share