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 next

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

Synonyms & Similar 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

Speed and security are paramount in today’s digital world. —

Stockstory Team, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025 And the safety and dangers were paramount for me as a captain and production as well. —

Gina Ragusa, EW.com, 3 Feb. 2025 The integrity of our city’s leadership and its processes is paramount to maintaining public trust. —

Courtlandt McQuire, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025 In industries where privacy, accuracy, and quick decision-making are paramount, having control over data—both in terms of security and infrastructure—becomes essential. —

William Mullane, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for paramount

Recent Examples of Synonyms for paramount

Adjective

Join 8 others in the comments View Comments Tesla, BYD’s main rival, has released similar Full Self-Driving features in the US for a subscription fee of $99 a month or a one time payment of $8,000.

— Hassan Tayir, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
The Scottsdale crash was caused by mechanical failure, specifically the collapse of the left main landing gear.

— Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 11 Feb. 2025