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 Jags passer, much like Rodriguez, is a preeminent goal-line gremlin. — Brad Evans, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for preeminent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preeminent

Adjective

Rhodes owes Orton another lick after getting punted in the head following their WrestleMania 42 Night 1 main event brawl.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Spectrum’s second flight began with ignition of the rocket’s nine Aquila main engines, burning a mixture of propane and liquid oxygen propellants to generate more than 150,000 pounds (675 kilonewtons) of thrust.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

These bags come from Maria Grazia Chiuri’s fall 2026 collection, her first as Fendi’s chief creative officer—and something of a homecoming for the Roman designer.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Former senior vice president of people and culture Erin Dangerfield, now Golden State’s chief people officer, allegedly questioned Vasquez about her responses in the survey.

— Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of chief

Adjective

Why Specialization Still Matters Many excellent residential management companies provide outstanding service to apartment owners.

— David Crown, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Two players — quarterback Ryan Rakowski and safety Jalen Flowers — have been outstanding in delivering big plays.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of outstanding

Adjective

The club prefers Taylor to serve as the primary organizational voice to relay its message — and to take the brunt of criticism.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The charcoal floor tiling and island in the corner kitchen feel like something Rick Owens would have dreamed up, as are the primary bathroom’s concrete floors and shower stall.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of primary

Adjective

Iran’s foremost vulnerability to sanctions and the blockade remains its persistent need for imports, which totaled $17 billion in the first five months of this Iranian calendar year beginning in March.

— Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026
Asked about their firm’s primary hurdle in managing the current trade landscape, the vast majority (57 percent) said policy uncertainty, like tariffs changing with little notice, as their foremost challenge.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of foremost

Adjective

Tom Tugendhat is a Conservative member of Parliament in Britain and a distinguished fellow at the Hudson Institute.

— Tom Tugendhat, Washington Post, 4 Sep. 2026
The award joins a distinguished roster of BMAC honors celebrating some of the most influential figures and organizations in music and culture.

— Jem Aswad, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

Vuskovic’s early pairing with 34-year-old skipper Lewis Dunk — who has also played every minute in the league this season — looks like being a dominant partnership for Hurzeler.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
In the dominant 56-7 win over FCS opponent Lafayette College, new head coach Jason Candle and his staff was able to see two different quarterbacks throw to 13 different receivers and hand the ball off to five different running backs.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of dominant

Browse Nearby Words

preeminences

preeminent

preempt

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“Preeminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preeminent. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of preeminent

adjective

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