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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

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
Slow down and stay cautious: On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2025 Jones’ strengths are his quick processing ability, his accuracy and his decision-making, which are paramount in Shanahan’s system and which Purdy also possesses. The Athletic Nfl Staff, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025 In today’s dynamic financial landscape, access to expert insights is paramount. John Melloy, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025 Intimacy is paramount as the sun and Mars harmonize. USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paramount
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paramount
Adjective
  • In addition to a cozy and updated three-bedroom, 1,600-square-foot main home, there’s a small 19th-century cabin with a rock chimney still standing on the property.
    David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2025
  • My one and only visit was decades ago, in middle school, when my main priority was riding the roller coaster.
    Mariah Tyler, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Backup quarterback could be of the utmost importance or may not matter at all in 2025.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The aim was to preserve the authenticity of Adrien and Felicity’s performances in another language, not to replace or alter them and done with the utmost respect for the craft.
    Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This group wants the United States to follow the lead of the EU, UK, most of Canada, Australia, and Zimbabwe in recommending that all patients undergo DPYD testing before they are given 5-FU.
    Ellen Matloff, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The Celtics nearly let go of their lead by allowing 11 points over the final 1:26, but Payton Pritchard, who established an NBA record for most 3-pointers off the bench in a single season, sank several key free throws to hold on.
    Jay King, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 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
  • The cover of the first issue of The New Yorker, dated Feb. 21, 1925, carried no portraits of potentates or tycoons, no headlines, no come-ons.
    Christopher B. Daly, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Or were all those billionaire potentates in the Capitol Rotunda — seated in front of Trump’s Cabinet picks — asserting their social, economic and cultural hegemony?
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Saltzman said China and Russia, which military leaders consider America's foremost strategic competitors, are moving ahead of the United States with technologies and techniques to attack satellites in orbit.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
  • My foremost camera concern is image quality, and that’s where Apple really cannot hang with cheaper Android alternatives.
    Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Watch Ant-Man and the Wasp on Disney+ Avengers: Infinity War Thanos (Josh Brolin) and his crew intercept a ship of survivors from Asgard, taking control of the Space Stone — one of the six Infinity Stones that hold ultimate power over a different element.
    Jacqueline Weiss, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The architectural style, complete with a sleek, high-shine finish, was the ultimate statement—because why settle for an accessory when your hair can be the crown?
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Comeback stories have been heralded and our AI robot overlords have been held at bay — for now.
    Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Add to that, a cunning House Speaker (Modine), tech overlords, Wall Street power brokers, and some White House secrets from Mullen’s single term in office.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Paramount.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paramount. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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