preeminent

1 coming before all others in importance the preeminent reason for the booming economy Synonyms arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, foremost, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supremeRelated Words distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior; high-level, senior, top; important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant; incomparable, matchless, unequaled (or unequalled), unparalleled, unsurpassed; celebrated, famed, famous, renownedNear Antonyms inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant; collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiaryAntonyms last, least

2 highest in rank or authority the preeminent golfer of his generation Synonyms chief, commanding, first, foremost, high, lead, leading, head, premier, presiding, primary, prime, principal, supereminent, supreme, topRelated Words high-level, senior; controlling, directing, managing, officiating, overseeing, regnant, reigning, ruling, supervisory; main, major, paramount, predominant, predominate, sovereign (also sovran); ascendant (also ascendent), dominant, grand, superior, topmost, upmost, upper, uppermostNear Antonyms ancillary, inferior, last, less, lesser, lower, lowly, second, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary; assistant, assisting, coadjutor, deputy, junior, under

3 standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement a meeting of preeminent scientists from around the world Synonyms astral, bright, distinguished, illustrious, luminous, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, eminent, prestigious, redoubtable, signal, star, superiorRelated Words celebrated, exalted, famed, famous, glorious, honored, renowned, reputable; infamous, notorious; dominant, paramount, predominantNear Antonyms insignificant, minor, unimportant; average, inferior, mediocre; obscure, uncelebrated, unsung