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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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2
as in chief
highest in rank or authority the preeminent golfer of his generation

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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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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 After spending its first four decades as DC’s preeminent financial operator, Carlyle turned its eyes elsewhere — to New York, to Europe and Asia, really anywhere other than the US capital. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026 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 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
  • Earlier that month, Greg Rogers, chief fiscal officer for the Education Department, said the department waited before requesting additional funds to determine how many students would actually use the accounts they were approved to receive.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • As with EVs, Chinese trucks are increasingly technologically advanced, says Thomas Fabian, chief commercial vehicles officer at the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of chief
Adjective
  • Werro ran out victorious to extend her outstanding unbeaten outdoor season.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Orange Lutheran’s outstanding offensive line faces Sierra Canyon’s outstanding defensive line.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • The club prefers Taylor to serve as the primary organizational voice to relay its message — and to take the brunt of criticism.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The charcoal floor tiling and island in the corner kitchen feel like something Rick Owens would have dreamed up, as are the primary bathroom’s concrete floors and shower stall.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • Making the roster more functional will be the foremost objective for whomever Crane chooses to replace Brown.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • One of the two candidates for president, one of the country’s foremost politicians, was expressly lumping together a sizable American ethnic minority with external enemies.
    — Daniel Benjamin, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of foremost
Adjective
  • Why Connecticut Should Lead Connecticut has a unique opportunity to lead the nation in civics education because Senator Lieberman was one of its most distinguished public servants.
    — Clarine Nardi Riddle, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026
  • One of America’s most distinguished pediatric cardiologists says the nation is in desperate shape with the end of Medicaid subsidies and the 28 million people who lack insurance.
    — Llewellyn King, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 2026.

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