PREEMINENT Synonyms: 131 Similar and Opposite Words

preeminent

adjective

prē-ˈe-mə-nənt

Definition of preeminent

as in greatest

coming before all others in importance the preeminent reason for the booming economy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in chief

highest in rank or authority the preeminent golfer of his generation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Miller published; was the preeminent historian, after World War II, of Puritan New England. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026 The preeminent financial news network is transforming from a business rooted in linear cable to multiplatform digital. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 30 June 2026 Elon Musk, the world’s preeminent innovator and visionary, becomes the world’s first trillionaire — and the political Left seethes. — Michael Zais, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026 The desire to recoup tariff revenue and refill the Treasury’s coffers, now being depleted by refunds to importers, is a preeminent priority. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for preeminent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preeminent

Adjective

Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools opted for main entrance improvements while 14 chose to modernize their check-in and visitor badging systems.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
India’s main stock index last month outperformed other emerging markets by the most since November, and foreign outflows hit a four-month low.

— J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

Toward the middle, chief housekeepers can earn between $4,000 and $7,000 monthly, while executive chefs can make $5,000 to $9,000.

— Nathan Diller, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Major Garrett, the network’s chief Washington correspondent, will also have a contributor role.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of chief

Adjective

Allen scored the Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actress in a drama series for her role as Roxie Hamler, a terminally ill cancer patient who arrives at the emergency room after breaking her leg and suffering from seizures.

— Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
The nominees for the 78th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards were unveiled Wednesday, with Hollywood honoring a slew of new shows and setting up what’s expected to be a battle among two legends in the race for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series.

— Dan Heching, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Definition of outstanding

Adjective

The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Both the primary and extension drive use the standard 1/4-inch hex specification, which, according to the creators, will cover over 95% of random everyday tasks – from bicycle maintenance to small home repairs and furniture assembly.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 July 2026

Definition of primary

Adjective

To mark the occasion of America’s centennial, the people of Taunton, Massachusetts, invited James Russell Lowell—distinguished poet, founding editor of The Atlantic—to compose and read an ode for the Fourth of July.

— Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
Tom Tugendhat, a Conservative, is a member of the British Parliament and a distinguished fellow at the Hudson Institute.

— Tom Tugendhat, Washington Post, 2 July 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

Then Ryan played his part in achieving those goals Sunday, posting a dominant performance in New York.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
The Angels dropped their fifth straight and 11th in 17 games, while Gray’s six-game run of dominant quality starts continues despite an All-Star snub.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of dominant

Adjective

And beyond all the light and magic of their goals, this was just a very commanding team performance.

— Jack Lang, New York Times, 1 July 2026
The venue falls within the NYPD's Patrol Borough Manhattan South, whose commanding officer was reassigned last week amid an internal affairs corruption probe.

— Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of commanding

Browse Nearby Words

preeminences

preeminent

preempt

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“Preeminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preeminent. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of preeminent

adjective

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