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

For fans, bragging rights are paramount, and playing on the biggest stage of the nation’s most popular sport is the ultimate look-at-us opportunity. —

Ben Standig, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025 Safety is paramount, and a holistic set of solutions that prioritizes investments to address the underlying challenges with both an immediate and long-term impact are desperately needed. —

Selvena Brooks-Powers, New York Daily News, 17 Jan. 2025 Infusing humor into the struggles faced by many Angelenos was paramount. —

Jessica Wang, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025 Critical Factors for Entering a New Partnership When entering a new partnership, trust is paramount. —

Dasha Shunina, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for paramount

Recent Examples of Synonyms for paramount

Adjective

Drivers should try to travel during the day and avoid traveling alone, inform others of your schedule, and stick to main roads and avoid shortcuts.

— Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 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