eminence

noun

em·​i·​nence ˈe-mə-nən(t)s 

1

: a position of prominence or superiority

2

: one that is eminent, prominent, or lofty: such as

a

: a person of high rank or attainments

—often used as a title for a cardinal

b

: a natural elevation

c

: an anatomical protuberance (as on a bone)

Synonyms

• distinction
• dominance
• noteworthiness
• paramountcy
• preeminence
• preponderance
• preponderancy
• prepotency
• prestigiousness
• primacy
• superiority
• supremacy
• transcendence

Examples of eminence in a Sentence

the eminence of the Nobel Prize in the field of awards and prizes

the old citadel sits on an eminence with a commanding view of the city

Recent Examples on the Web

For all of their eminence, the cardinals are no more immune to cattiness and ambition than anyone else. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2024

And Anthony Hopkins plays the aging eminence Vespasian—a role that turns out to be quite a bit smaller than the trailer suggests. —Judy Berman, TIME, 17 July 2024

That's an effort by a Paulina Luna of Florida to have the former president receive this absolutely bipartisan prize that is usually awarded to non-controversial eminences by the US Congress. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 20 June 2024

Guitar royalty: Grammy-winning guitar eminence Larry Carlton will perform at 6 and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at The Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton, with tickets starting at $60+ for standing room. —Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "exalted position, protuberance," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin eminentia "state of standing out or projecting, protuberance," noun derivative of ēminent-, ēminens "standing out above a surface, projecting, outstanding in merit or importance" — more at eminent

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing eminence

• gray eminence

Kids Definition

eminence

noun

em·​i·​nence ˈem-ə-nən(t)s 

1

: the condition of being eminent

2

a

: a person of high rank or achievements

—often used as a title for a cardinal

b

: an area of high ground : height

Medical Definition

eminence

noun

em·​i·​nence ˈem-ə-nən(t)s 

: a protuberance or projection on a bodily part and especially a bone