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 Eva Marie Saint, a revered actress whose two preeminent performances — On the Waterfront and North by Northwest — encapsulated the glories of the 1950s’ Hollywood studio system, died on Tuesday. — Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026 Martin didn’t set out to become the preeminent silver colorist. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Sep. 2026 The nation’s preeminent public university, the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, has offered Creole courses at its main campus in the nation’s capital for more than a decade. — Kendall Medford, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026 Over the past 25 years, Lord and Miller have built a unique career that established them as some of Hollywood’s preeminent filmmakers in multiple mediums. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preeminent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preeminent

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

Adjective

An area attorney and former chief public defender who was arrested earlier this year on multiple felony drug charges after a raid on his residence was arrested again early Monday on drug and gun charges following a traffic stop.

— Steven Mross, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
The festival’s advisory group includes director Dan Löwenstein, founder of House of Create, vertical drama critic and consultant Jen Cooper of Vertical Drama Love, and Christine Hartland, co-founder and chief operating officer of My Smash Media.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of chief

Adjective

The award, which was established by the city of Naperville in 1993, recognizes Naperville-area students for outstanding community service.

— Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
There is no court date scheduled for Wang appearing because there is still an outstanding warrant, a circuit court spokesperson said.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of outstanding

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

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

Adjective

Al Sharpton Al Sharpton is a minister, activist, and one of the nation’s most distinguished leaders in the fight against injustice.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
Brown and Martin have also each earned the IBMA’s distinguished achievement award.

— Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

The result is one of the most quietly dominant competitive positions in modern industry.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Georgia looked dominant in the opening minutes, even after Stockton had to leave after hitting the field helmet-first on the first play of the game.

— Charles Odum, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of dominant

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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of preeminent

adjective

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