paramount 1 of 2

paramount

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noun

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
For Israel, eliminating, rather than merely restricting, the production of fissile material that could be used to fuel a weapon has been paramount. Ali Vaez, Time, 14 June 2025 Among its biggest findings is that concerns around mental health and worries about paying for things like housing and health care remain paramount for the group. Elena Moore, NPR, 13 June 2025 Many can be bypassed with a swipe or a second phone, limiting their effectiveness when liability and safety are paramount. IEEE Spectrum, 11 June 2025 An attorney who supports keeping transgender athletes out of girls sports said the rights of female athletes are paramount in this situation. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for paramount
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paramount
Adjective
  • The three main changes House Republicans want to make are to ensure immigrants who are in the United States without legal authorization can’t enroll; create work requirements to be on the program; and prevent federal funding from being used for gender transition care.
    Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025
  • Harper isn’t devoid of faults, with the two main ones being his defensive focus and inconsistent jump-shooting.
    Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Frette bathrobes, pillow menus, spacious dressing rooms, walk-in wardrobes, free-standing bathtubs and Hermès amenities promise the utmost comfort.
    Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • According to Aniston, focusing on crafting a better work-life balance for herself is of the utmost importance.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • The former is fun but fairly disposable; the latter follows a scientist and a teacher who are trying to understand—and protect—a girl infected with the parasitic fungus that turned most of mankind into zombies.
    James Grebey, Time, 20 June 2025
  • Like most trends, neckties will likely come back around in another fun and unique way.
    Kristopher Fraser, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • His personal goal was surely the vanity of wanting to have never been wrong and the superpower of always being right—George Orwell speaks of the theological nature of totalitarians, who must constantly alter the past to claim to be always right in the present.
    Rebecca Solnit April 29, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2021
  • Ridicule only appeals to cool kids on coasts and the college towns and totalitarians.
    Letters to the Editor, Orange County Register, 17 Oct. 2020
Noun
  • Why don’t all the rich potentates, sheiks, oligarchs and MAGA dictators meet and fix it?
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • With the pandemic, the year-round population of a once-seasonal resort town swelled with Manhattan refugees, those in the Trump orbit, and tech and finance potentates, many of them serious collectors like Ken Griffin and Steve Ross.
    Ben Widdicombe, Vulture, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    Sindhu Bhaskar, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Lindell was one of the foremost conspiracy theorists in pushing claims that the election was stolen from Donald Trump.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • From Sydney to Stockholm, the same brands appear with clockwork consistency, suggesting something deeper than mere preference—a new form of identity performance in which bathroom counters have become the ultimate status symbol.
    Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 24 June 2025
  • Yet in the ultimate game, that star went down with a franchise-altering injury.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Despite lawsuits in America giving his overlords more than a bit of a headache, Tanz has watched on quietly as multiple Love is Blind versions have landed with a bang in their respective countries.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 May 2025
  • Congress needs to pass laws; the tech overlords just need to push code to screw things up.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Paramount.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paramount. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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