PREEMINENT Synonyms: 131 Similar and Opposite Words

preeminent

adjective

prē-ˈe-mə-nənt

Definition of preeminent

as in greatest

coming before all others in importance the preeminent reason for the booming economy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in chief

highest in rank or authority the preeminent golfer of his generation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The United States remains the world’s preeminent military, economic, and technological power. — Mark Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 The opening of an Auberge Collection property in the little town of Los Olivos is further proof of the area's status as a preeminent New World wine destination. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026 But this week became the biggest sign yet that these businesses are intent on increasing their investments into preeminent sporting organizations. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Blackmon had her heart set on attending Howard, seen as the preeminent Black university in the nation. — Matt Brown, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preeminent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preeminent

Adjective

In the Brazilian city of Cuiabá, the mayor, Abílio Brunini, prohibited one such championship from taking place in the city’s main public space.

— Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Next, workers will install new cables, bolted into the five main branches, to stabilize the tree before removing the old supports.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

In light of the strong growth and inflation figures, the BOK would likely need to continue to raise rates, albeit with some caution, said Frederic Neumann, chief Asia economist at HSBC.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
After years of analysis, Caltrans has decided to weave strong micropiles into the 499 aging piles that now support the bridge’s piers, said Allan Kosup, chief deputy director of Caltrans District 11 in San Diego and Imperial counties.

— David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of chief

Adjective

Colbert also made a virtual appearance last week to accept the award for outstanding achievement in variety, talk or sketch from the Television Critics Association Awards.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Wright has had an outstanding camp coming off his best season.

— Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of outstanding

Adjective

The primary comes as Trump attempts to brush off a string of primary losses, with his 10th endorsed candidate losing in last week’s elections.

— Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026
The primary hurdle moving forward is integrating efficient extraction technologies into existing treatment infrastructure to yield materials that meet industrial standards.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of primary

Adjective

The promise of Roman Imaging huge amounts of the universe in one go is of foremost importance because things in the universe happen simultaneously.

— Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Alanna Rizzo is one of the foremost authorities on Major League Baseball.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of foremost

Adjective

Gonzalez decided to retire after a distinguished retail career spanning more than four decades.

— David Moin, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026
Capers rolled in his wheelchair alongside close friends and family members down a long Pentagon hallway as hundreds of friends, supporters, and distinguished guests gave a long overdue hero’s reception.

— Ethan Rocke, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

The Yankees then went on to become baseball’s most dominant franchise - winning 27 World Series titles - while the Red Sox would not taste success for the rest of the 20th century.

— Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
There may even be scenario B, C or D which today appears negligible and which becomes dominant because something happens that our initial model could not anticipate.

— Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of dominant

Adjective

Adrián Marín set up the play with his pass to Tiago as Orlando took what seemed to be a commanding lead in the second half.

— Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Arendt comes most fully alive, though, when Meyer lets her own extravagant, commanding voice carry the story forward.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of commanding

Browse Nearby Words

preeminences

preeminent

preempt

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Style

“Preeminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preeminent. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of preeminent

adjective

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