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
Miami attorney Ira Kuzban, one of the country’s preeminent immigration lawyers, said the government is wrong that Rubio’s letter is not reviewable by a court.
—
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026
Our excitement is a function of both the secular opportunity and the benefits of approaching it with the world’s preeminent talent firm.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 10 June 2026
Martoglio is a preeminent military policy expert, still actively contributing to America’s national security, strategic planning, and global military affairs.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
Charli and preeminent pop divas Olivia Rodrigo and Ariana Grande are releasing some of the bleakest music of their careers just in time for summer, the traditional season for party anthems and celebratory bangers.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for preeminent
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026
Our excitement is a function of both the secular opportunity and the benefits of approaching it with the world’s preeminent talent firm.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 10 June 2026
Martoglio is a preeminent military policy expert, still actively contributing to America’s national security, strategic planning, and global military affairs.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
Charli and preeminent pop divas Olivia Rodrigo and Ariana Grande are releasing some of the bleakest music of their careers just in time for summer, the traditional season for party anthems and celebratory bangers.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for preeminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preeminent
Adjective
-
Patrick was addressing attendees of the Republican Party of Texas’ state convention in Houston from the event’s main stage.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 June 2026
-
Reuters — Hungary’s main opposition Fidesz party re-elected former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as its leader on Saturday for another year despite the party’s loss of power in an April 12 election to the center-right Tisza party.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
Cultus Lake Waterpark's chief administrative officer, Andrew Steunenberg, reportedly said those injured were not in the water or on any rides at the time of the incident.—
Natalia Senanayake,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
-
In the show, Morrissey plays headmaster Michael Polly, who becomes the chief suspect when his wife goes missing and who remains inscrutable for most of the six episodes.—
Simon Button,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
The near-perfect conditions affected each vineyard parcel and variety differently, but the result is outstanding across the board.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
14 June 2026
-
Your Carolyn Bessette is outstanding.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
National Institutes of Health announced that the agency, along with researchers from the University of Florida, would begin clinical trials on mitragynine, the primary psychoactive compound in kratom, to evaluate its potential as a treatment for opioid use disorder.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
Furthermore, buildings must now identify backup service providers to ensure repairs can be made even if primary companies are unavailable or out of business.—
Joan Murray,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Gifford, who never attended college, eventually sold those buildings and became the city’s foremost expert on the repair and maintenance of boilers, writing a 571-page textbook on building science.—
Jesse Armas,
Curbed,
16 June 2026
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
Kevin Brady,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
An assemblage of distinguished jurists, Ivy League professors, nonprofit leaders, journalists, and theologians sat around me in a half circle.—
Yoni Appelbaum,
The Atlantic,
8 June 2026
-
What distinguished Didion is her style, so carefully milled as to be not noticed at first.—
Zinzi Clemmons,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
Clark was at the center of Indiana’s dominant outing, as the two-time All-Star delivered a variety of highlight-reel passes to lead the Fever to their fourth straight win and first victory over the Tempo, who are in their inaugural season.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
The lofty valuation for the company that has become dominant in satellites through its Starlink service and reusable rockets has raised questions about its ambitious growth plans.—
Kai Nicol-Schwarz,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
Or perhaps the Black policemen, who often watched the house without their white commanding officer, secretly sympathized with the uprising.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 June 2026
-
Moments after the Knicks completed the largest comeback in NBA Finals history in Game 4 — erasing a 29-point deficit to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs — Stiller burst through the postgame interview room doors like the Kool-Aid Man.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preeminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preeminent. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
