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

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 Today, Fubo has best-in-class programming partnerships, innovative service offerings and preeminent live sports and entertainment content and is well positioned for the future. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2026 These are designed to replace the nation’s now-aging Vanguard nuclear missile submarines, which are the UK’s preeminent nuclear deterrent. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026 Our investments in basic research and universities made this country the preeminent scientific and economic power in the world. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026 As America's birthday celebrations kick into high gear, so too do criticisms of the preeminent national group organizing them, Freedom 250. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 2 July 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
  • But Gold Phoenix was inside both his main rivals and might have saved just enough ground to make the difference.
    — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026
  • Kevin Knight, Ospreay Attacks The Death Riders Kevin Knight received little-to-no reaction for his entrance, but that’s to be expected as a young star in his first pay-per-view main event.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • The announcement comes as Polymarket and its chief rival, Kalshi, make daily headlines for contracts that invite users to wager on everything from sports to interest rate cuts to elections.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • The uncertainty created by such lack of guidance has become one of several legitimate problems that needs resolution, said Troy Flint, chief communications officer for the California School Boards Assn.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of chief
Adjective
  • Hawley criticized Fauci for accepting cash prizes from nonprofits that award money to people for outstanding achievements in given fields and for his embrace of celebrity at the height of the pandemic.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
  • Each being an outstanding and influential wine producing family, their collective power as a group is unparalleled.
    — Yuri Shima, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • If diversification were really the primary reason to own private equity, more capital would already be there for that reason alone.
    — Carrie McCabe, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • The address of the shooting is listed as the primary residence for Elijah Bieniemy, according to online property records.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • The executions have drawn attention to the ageing death-row population in the US, as well as Florida’s status as the foremost death penalty state.
    — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 16 July 2026
  • Among the most significant was the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Bharat Tex Trade Federation (BTTF) and Première Vision Paris, one of the world’s foremost textile and fashion sourcing platforms.
    — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
Definition of foremost
Adjective
  • Why make an honest attempt at distinguished music with such cheeky components?
    — Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026
  • Another distinguished guest is Bénédicte Epinay, executive director of Comité Colbert and a representative of the European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance (ECCIA), which represents seven European luxury and creative industry organizations.
    — Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • The Carolina Panthers’ offense bounced back Sunday following a defensively dominant start to training camp.
    — Mike Kaye July 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026
  • Morgan Stanley analysts suggest a $100 share price would imply zero value for SpaceX's AI division, which, along with the dominant space launch segment, currently operates at a significant loss.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of dominant
Adjective
  • The Mariners now sit a game and a half behind the Rangers, who have more of a commanding lead of the American League West.
    — Cal Phillips Updated July 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
  • Edwards, who had been the commanding officer of HSC-5 since July 2025, was posthumously promoted to captain, the Navy said in a statement.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
Definition of commanding

Browse Nearby Words

preeminences
preeminent
preempt
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Preeminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preeminent. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on preeminent

Nglish: Translation of preeminent for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of sultry

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All