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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

Examples 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
With investor confidence in the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path fast dwindling, the inflation data next week will be of paramount importance for a flagging market. Sarah Min, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025 For the United States, a country where border encounters are a core political liability, the ability to quickly remove foreign nationals — and to advertise those removals — is paramount. Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025 While not specifically addressed in the film, The Prosecutor repeatedly emphasizes that upholding justice is of paramount importance, even when evidence and truth remain elusive or prove insufficient. James Marsh, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025 That’s the dynamic that is paramount for the Bears in the coming days and weeks. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for paramount 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paramount
Adjective
  • Israel would pull its troops back from Gaza's main population centers in the first stage of the deal, allowing its residents to return to what remains of their homes as more humanitarian aid permeates the Strip and those who are injured receive treatment.
    Ellie Cook, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The concert at the country’s main public square settled a pending debt with his Mexican fans, after postponing a presentation originally scheduled for September due to a domestic accident that resulted in five fractured ribs and forced him to suspend a series of shows in Mexico and Colombia.
    Natalia Cano, Billboard, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Protecting her hair amidst heavy styling is of utmost importance to the celebrity stylist, which is why Moreno takes the necessary precautions of pre-styling deep conditioning, heat protectant, and of course, quality products.
    Essence, Essence, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Social dynamics are of utmost importance, especially for wearable devices, as these are worn on the user’s body and remain in plain sight.
    Mattia Lucchini, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • On Wednesday, air-raid sirens wailed at around 5:45 a.m. in Kyiv, the capital, as most of the country was put on alert for missile launches.
    Cassandra Vinograd, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025
  • The Kings have leaned into playing smaller and faster, and since most of their best players fit that description, it’s kept their best players on the floor a lot more.
    John Hollinger, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Ridicule only appeals to cool kids on coasts and the college towns and totalitarians.
    Letters to the Editor, Orange County Register, 17 Oct. 2020
  • Under the unconditional patronage of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kadyrov rules his republic as a totalitarian, and has done so since taking power in May 2004, after his father, then President Akhmad Kadyrov, was assassinated.
    Layla Taimienova, Foreign Affairs, 10 May 2017
Noun
  • A number of sports potentates will be making the Idaho scene, at a moment when tens of billions of dollars are changing hands in pursuit of ever-valuable rights.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 July 2024
  • By cracking the whip on local potentates, the party bolsters its already substantial public support and reinforces the power of central institutions.
    Dali Yang, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2017
Adjective
  • The reigning Silver Slugger, who signed a five-year contract extension announced Wednesday, has also developed a reputation as the team’s foremost foodie.
    Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 9 Jan. 2025
  • But rather than playing it safe, the foremost roast mistress delivered a masterful 10-minute monologue that was hilariously acerbic, pointed, and playful enough to keep the crowd on her good side.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This dish features a gourmet take on the classic burger, paired with golden truffle fries and a bucket of Diet Cokes for the ultimate nod to Trump.
    Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Put this vessel to the ultimate test with soup, beef stew, chili, and homemade sauce recipes galore.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • After Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski went on their show and welcomed our new insect overlords?
    Keith Olbermann, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
  • In the nineteenth century, as the cost of its independence, Haiti had to pay France—its erstwhile colonial overlord—reparations.
    Martín Abregú, Foreign Affairs, 27 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near paramount

Cite this Entry

“Paramount.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paramount. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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