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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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

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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 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
  1. main
  2. chief
  3. outstanding
  4. primary
  5. foremost
  6. distinguished
  7. dominant
  8. commanding
Adjective
  • The fourth-year pro with blazing speed had an impressive training camp and appeared to be one of the team’s main kick returners.
    — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Its main instrument, known as the Wide Field Instrument (WFI), will take extremely wide images of the universe, capturing ultra-high definition views across broad swaths of the sky.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 30 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
  • In 2025, Kelley told PEOPLE exclusively that his wife was his primary motivation for pursuing sobriety.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Fields and Mooney, who should take Austin’s place as the primary slot receiver, will be the other starters.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 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
  • Our distinguished community of musical-theater actors deserves greater challenges and if theaters don’t train audiences to take a risk on newer material, its embrace will be yet harder in generations to come.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Satsky’s attorney, Robert Anello of New York, told The Charlotte Observer Tuesday that his client has a distinguished 30-year career in finance and an unblemished reputation for integrity.
    — Chase Jordan August 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • His once-dominant bat has gone quiet, leading to significant fan frustration, including boos at home games despite his excellent defense.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • At the time, Americans sipped one dominant style of beer, a light lager, sold by big breweries such as Coors and Anheuser-Busch.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of dominant
Adjective
  • Kirkwood had a commanding lead before Palou's spin caused a caution.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 1 Sep. 2026.

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