preeminent

adjective

prē-ˈe-mə-nənt How to pronounce preeminent (audio)
Definition of preeminentnext
1
as in greatest
coming before all others in importance the preeminent reason for the booming economy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chief
highest in rank or authority the preeminent golfer of his generation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in outstanding
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement a meeting of preeminent scientists from around the world

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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 The desire to recoup tariff revenue and refill the Treasury’s coffers, now being depleted by refunds to importers, is a preeminent priority. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 26 June 2026 Coffin reached out to Powell, one of the preeminent animation composers known for his scores for How to Train Your Dragon and Shrek, to work on his first Minions movie. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2026 Jackson will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor, in November to lead one of the nation’s preeminent battleground states. — ABC News, 16 June 2026 Taking place on the Summer Solstice at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, the event gathers dozens of the world’s preeminent experimental musicians to perform in a stunning columbarium designed by Julia Morgan. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for preeminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preeminent
  1. main
  2. chief
  3. outstanding
  4. primary
  5. foremost
  6. distinguished
  7. dominant
  8. commanding
Adjective
  • Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools opted for main entrance improvements while 14 chose to modernize their check-in and visitor badging systems.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • India’s main stock index last month outperformed other emerging markets by the most since November, and foreign outflows hit a four-month low.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • Jim Campbell, chief legal counsel for ADF, pointed to Cross’s alleged experience as one of the human costs behind the legal fight.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Haley enlisted in the Coast Guard at 17 and retired as its chief journalist in 1959.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of chief
Adjective
  • Watson was always known for incredibly quick hands and outstanding bat speed.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Another outstanding rug in the lineup this week is this easy-to-clean jute number from Joon Loloi at 60% off.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the primary and extension drive use the standard 1/4-inch hex specification, which, according to the creators, will cover over 95% of random everyday tasks – from bicycle maintenance to small home repairs and furniture assembly.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • The day’s matches started off with a thrilling contest between Norway and the Ivory Coast, which went all the way down to the final minutes before one of the tournament’s foremost stars scored a crucial goal to send the Norwegians through.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    — Vaidotas Juknys, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of foremost
Adjective
  • To mark the occasion of America’s centennial, the people of Taunton, Massachusetts, invited James Russell Lowell—distinguished poet, founding editor of The Atlantic—to compose and read an ode for the Fourth of July.
    — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
  • Tom Tugendhat, a Conservative, is a member of the British Parliament and a distinguished fellow at the Hudson Institute.
    — Tom Tugendhat, Washington Post, 2 July 2026
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • Then Ryan played his part in achieving those goals Sunday, posting a dominant performance in New York.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • The Angels dropped their fifth straight and 11th in 17 games, while Gray’s six-game run of dominant quality starts continues despite an All-Star snub.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of dominant
Adjective
  • And beyond all the light and magic of their goals, this was just a very commanding team performance.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 1 July 2026
  • The venue falls within the NYPD's Patrol Borough Manhattan South, whose commanding officer was reassigned last week amid an internal affairs corruption probe.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of commanding

Browse Nearby Words

preeminences
preeminent
preempt
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Cite this Entry

“Preeminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preeminent. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of preeminent for Spanish Speakers

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