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 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
  1. main
  2. chief
  3. outstanding
  4. primary
  5. foremost
  6. distinguished
  7. dominant
  8. commanding
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
  • 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
  • On the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, AI’s foremost critic is flouting the dress code.
    — Jack Holmes, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The Move to Manchester The TV Festival’s impending move to Manchester was one of the foremost topics of conversation at this year’s edition.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 28 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
  • 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
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 7 Sep. 2026.

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