PARAMOUNT Synonyms: 150 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'paramount' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of paramount are dominant , predominant , and preponderant . While all these words mean "superior to all others in influence or importance," paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction. // unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign

Q: When is 'dominant' a more appropriate choice than 'paramount'?

The meanings of dominant and paramount largely overlap; however, dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling. // a dominant social class

Q: Where would 'predominant' be a reasonable alternative to 'paramount'?

While in some cases nearly identical to paramount , predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence. // a predominant emotion

Q: When might 'preponderant' be a better fit than 'paramount'?

The synonyms preponderant and paramount are sometimes interchangeable, but preponderant applies to an element or factor that outweighs all others in influence or effect. // preponderant evidence in her favor

paramount 1 of 2

adjective

ˈper-ə-ˌmau̇nt

Definition of paramount

as in main

coming before all others in importance the paramount goal is to restore the colonial-era house with complete historical accuracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in utmost

of the greatest or highest degree or quantity maintaining the secrecy of the agreement is of paramount importance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

paramount

2 of 2

noun

as in Big Brother

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word paramount different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of paramount are dominant, predominant, and preponderant. While all these words mean "superior to all others in influence or importance," paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction.

unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign

When is dominant a more appropriate choice than paramount?

The meanings of dominant and paramount largely overlap; however, dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling.

a dominant social class

Where would predominant be a reasonable alternative to paramount?

While in some cases nearly identical to paramount, predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence.

a predominant emotion

When might preponderant be a better fit than paramount?

The synonyms preponderant and paramount are sometimes interchangeable, but preponderant applies to an element or factor that outweighs all others in influence or effect.

preponderant evidence in her favor

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 paramount

Adjective

Security remains paramount for the company, even in the latest addition to their range of products that offers a personal experience to the users. — Muskanbhatia, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026 Patrick Baghdaserians, an attorney for Martinez, told The Times last week the welfare and safety of Berry and Martinez’s child remains paramount. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 Creating space for new generations of Asian and AAPI filmmakers to thrive, without forfeiting the specificity of their experiences, is paramount. — Kai Naima Williams, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026 Boone, meanwhile, helped keep the Yankees afloat as paramount players such as Judge, Fried and Giancarlo Stanton missed considerable time. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paramount

Recent Examples of Synonyms for paramount

Adjective

Spray bottle on bottom shelf of main prep table lacking label information.

— NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Through the program, this year’s Rising Stars will connect with industry leaders and take part in the festival’s main activities, from panel discussions and media engagements to the red carpet.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of main

Noun

There is one less founding organizer of the screenings now that Big Brother seller Banijay and The Traitors owner All3Media have become one, and the new group will bring its 265,000-hour catalog to the UK capital on Wednesday February 24.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
The globe-spanning group with 130 production companies across 25 countries boasts a content catalog that includes The Traitors, Big Brother, MasterChef, Peaky Blinders and Midsomer Murders.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of Big Brother

Adjective

One man who always has a lot to say is Josh Pate, the college football commentator who started from humble beginnings and is now one of the foremost voices in the sport.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
If aesthetics is the foremost priority, Lulu and Georgia offers office furniture that would look more at home in an interior design studio than a corporate high-rise.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of foremost

Noun

But, ten years later, his embrace of near-totalitarian control bears the deep imprint of his most personal beliefs about force, weakness, faith, and order.

— Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2022
Ridicule only appeals to cool kids on coasts and the college towns and totalitarians.

— Letters to the Editor, Orange County Register, 17 Oct. 2020

Definition of totalitarian

Adjective

The primary danger of these apps is not the fees associated with using just one, Feltner noted.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The bill was introduced over a year ago, and its primary backer was the late Lindsey Graham, a veteran Republican senator who represented South Carolina.

— Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of primary

Adjective

The Category 2 storm had maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 kph) and was moving northwest at 8 mph (13 kph).

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Mallard pleaded guilty to making false claims regarding IRS refunds, an offense that carries a maximum term of five years in prison.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of maximum

Browse Nearby Words

paramilitary

paramount

paramountcy

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Paramount.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paramount. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of paramount

adjective

noun

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