Preeminent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /prē-ˈe-mə-nənt/ pre·em·i·nent

Meaning & Definition of Preeminent

Preeminent (adjective)

  1. having paramount rank, dignity, or importance, outstanding, supreme

Preeminent (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. coming before all others in importance

    "the preeminent reason for the booming economy"

    similar: arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, foremost, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one, numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign, supreme
    related: distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior, high-level, senior, top, important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant, incomparable, matchless, unequaled, unparalleled, unsurpassed, celebrated, famed, famous, renowned
    opposite: last, least
    near: inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant, collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary

  2. highest in rank or authority

    "the preeminent golfer of his generation"

    similar: chief, commanding, first, foremost, head, high, lead, leading, premier, presiding, primary, prime, principal, supereminent, supreme, top, in charge
    related: high-level, senior, controlling, directing, managing, officiating, overseeing, regnant, reigning, ruling, supervisory, main, major, paramount, predominant, predominate, sovereign, ascendant, dominant, grand, superior, topmost, upmost, upper, uppermost
    near: ancillary, inferior, last, less, lesser, lower, lowly, second, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary, assistant, assisting, coadjutor, deputy, junior, under

  3. standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement

    "a meeting of preeminent scientists from around the world"

    similar: astral, bright, distinguished, eminent, illustrious, luminous, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, redoubtable, signal, star, superior
    related: celebrated, exalted, famed, famous, glorious, honored, renowned, reputable, infamous, notorious, dominant, paramount, predominant
    near: insignificant, minor, unimportant, average, inferior, mediocre, obscure, uncelebrated, unsung

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Preeminent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Preeminent:

arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, foremost, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one, numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign, supreme, commanding, head, high, lead, presiding, prime, supereminent, top, astral

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Preeminent

Words with the opposite meaning of Preeminent:

last, least

Related Words for Preeminent

stellar, high-level, senior, important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant, incomparable, matchless, unequaled, unparalleled, unsurpassed, celebrated, famed, famous, renowned, controlling, directing, managing, officiating, overseeing, regnant, reigning, ruling, supervisory, predominate, ascendant, topmost

Near Antonyms of Preeminent

inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant, collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary, ancillary, less, lesser, lower, lowly, second, assistant, assisting, coadjutor, deputy, junior, under, average, mediocre, obscure, uncelebrated

Word Forms of Preeminent

Derived words: preeminently (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Preeminent

Middle English, from Late Latin praeeminent-, praeeminens, from Latin, present participle of praeeminēre to be outstanding, from prae- + eminēre to stand out eminent

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Preeminent

What does "Preeminent" mean?

"Preeminent" means having paramount rank, dignity, or importance, outstanding, supreme. As an adjective, it is defined as: having paramount rank, dignity, or importance, outstanding, supreme. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Preeminent"?

Other words for "Preeminent" include arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant and first. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Preeminent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Preeminent"?

There are 94 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Preeminent". Common alternatives include arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, foremost and grand.

What is the opposite of "Preeminent"?

Antonyms of "Preeminent" include last and least. Near antonyms include inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant and minor.

How do you use "Preeminent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Preeminent" in a sentence: "the preeminent reason for the booming economy"; "the preeminent golfer of his generation"; "a meeting of preeminent scientists from around the world".

Is "Preeminent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Preeminent" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Preeminent"?

"Preeminent" is pronounced /prē-ˈe-mə-nənt/ and divided into syllables as pre·em·i·nent.

What is the origin of the word "Preeminent"?

"Preeminent" comes from Middle English, from Late Latin praeeminent-, praeeminens, from Latin, present participle of praeeminēre to be outstanding, from prae- + eminēre to stand out eminent. First known use: 15th century.