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

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

As educators, equipping these kids with the knowledge and skills to navigate the world around them is paramount. —

Reece Rogers, WIRED, 11 Dec. 2024 Ensuring cybersecurity and protecting sensitive data will be paramount as the Census Bureau integrates advanced data collection tools. —

Emma Marsden, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 The Rose Bowl is a National Historic Landmark, and maintaining that status is paramount to people associated with the stadium and Pasadena preservationists. —

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024 Nevertheless, maintaining them and tweaking them to be ever more effective is paramount to effectively mitigating against the threat of Putin's aggression. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for paramount

Recent Examples of Synonyms for paramount

Adjective

Visual China Group | Getty Images China kept its main benchmark lending rates unchanged on Friday, as Beijing faces the challenge of bolstering economic growth while backstopping a weakening yuan.

Sonia Heng,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024
Key Background One of Trump’s main hangups with the previous proposal was rooted in the debt ceiling, which was not included in the deal from earlier this week.

Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024