paramount

1 of 3

adjective

par·​a·​mount ˈper-ə-ˌmau̇nt How to pronounce paramount (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
Synonyms of paramount
: superior to all others : supreme
a matter of paramount importance
Unemployment was the paramount issue in the election.
paramountcy
ˈper-ə-ˌmau̇n(t)-sē How to pronounce paramount (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
noun
paramountly
ˈper-ə-ˌmau̇nt-lē How to pronounce paramount (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
adverb

paramount

2 of 3

noun (1)

: a supreme ruler

paramountcy

3 of 3

noun (2)

par·​a·​mount·​cy -n(t)sē How to pronounce paramountcy (audio)
-si
plural -es
: the quality or state of being paramount

Synonyms of paramount

Relevance

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for paramount

dominant, predominant, paramount, preponderant mean superior to all others in influence or importance.

dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling.

a dominant social class

predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence.

a predominant emotion

paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction.

unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign

preponderant applies to an element or factor that outweighs all others in influence or effect.

preponderant evidence in her favor

Examples of paramount in a Sentence

Adjective the paramount goal is to restore the colonial-era house with complete historical accuracy maintaining the secrecy of the agreement is of paramount importance
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Garza became a paramount piece to three Big Sky Conference title teams. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026 Therefore, real-world physical data collection is paramount, with Faraday Future engaging youth in robotics to gather this crucial information. — Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 While head coach Dave Canales said McMillan’s shelving for the bulk of the workouts was merely a precautionary measure, the top weapon on offense is paramount to the team’s success and his lack of action was at least somewhat concerning. — Mike Kaye july 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026 Khaite’s pretty designs are paramount, and Zara’s embellished shoes are a charming yet affordable alternative. — Sarah Leigh Bannerman, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for paramount

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun (1)

Anglo-French paramont, from par by (from Latin per) + amunt above, from a to (from Latin ad) + munt mountain — more at for, at, mount

First Known Use

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paramount was in 1530

Rhymes for paramount

See All Rhymes for paramount

Browse Nearby Words

paramorphism
paramount
Paramount
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paramount.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paramount. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

paramount

adjective
par·​a·​mount
ˈpar-ə-ˌmau̇nt
: superior to all others : supreme
of paramount importance

Geographical Definition

Paramount

geographical name

Par·​a·​mount ˈper-ə-ˌmau̇nt How to pronounce Paramount (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
city in southwestern California north of Long Beach population 54,098

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