1
as in excellence
exceptionally high quality
the restaurant is known for the preeminence of its seafood dishes
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2
as in dominance
controlling power or influence over others
some historians contended that no nation had attained such undisputed preeminence since the glory days of the Roman Empire
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3
as in superiority
the fact or state of being above others in rank or importance
his preeminence in the field of obstetrics
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Recent Examples of preeminence
There’s no reason, given Chicago’s clear preeminence among Midwestern cities and an abundance of infrastructure and natural resources, that Illinois shouldn’t be leading the charge.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Together with its other untapped resources, this presents yet another attractive trait to any suitor in pursuit of technological and industrial preeminence.
—Chloe Demrovsky, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
But these strengths have faded, and with them, the sense that American preeminence is a fact of nature.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The preeminence of Israel in the campaigning stands out because the primary otherwise appears to be typical of intraparty rivalries focused on domestic policy.
—Ron Kampeas, The Washington Examiner, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preeminence
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Together with its other untapped resources, this presents yet another attractive trait to any suitor in pursuit of technological and industrial preeminence.
—Chloe Demrovsky, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
But these strengths have faded, and with them, the sense that American preeminence is a fact of nature.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The preeminence of Israel in the campaigning stands out because the primary otherwise appears to be typical of intraparty rivalries focused on domestic policy.
—Ron Kampeas, The Washington Examiner, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preeminence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preeminence
Noun
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Robb demonstrates excellence in both her academic and extracurricular pursuits.—
Darla Rivera,
Oklahoman,
9 Feb. 2026
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Pettit said District 86’s long history of educational excellence was key in his interest to come.—
Chuck Fieldman,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Her impressive athleticism and recent dominance on the international circuit had her entering Milan riding a high.—
Brittany Ghiroli,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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The Dangote Refinery’s increasing dominance of the local supply of refined petrol is expanding its role in determining the market price.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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At the same time, Chinese state media reportedly released images emphasizing Beijing’s technological and military superiority, while highlighting its ability to take Taiwan by force if necessary.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
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Unlike the Cold War-era contest between the Soviet Union and the United States, which was driven by governments seeking to demonstrate technological superiority, today's race is increasingly powered by private companies and commercial competition.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Education was considered an individual pursuit marked by moral excellency and only the students who did the best in school would have proceeded to higher education.—
Sara Novak,
Discover Magazine,
12 Nov. 2024
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Zurich said the Game Changer Award pays tribute to excellency in the film business with a focus on leaders that not only cherish change and forward-thinking approaches in the business, but also stand for the DNA of what cinema has represented since its invention.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
10 Sep. 2024
Noun
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Generally, the federal government does not need to respect local zoning regulations that conflict with federal mandates often referred to as the supremacy clause.—
Mike Hellgren,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
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This beer company had a 10-year lock on Super Bowl commercial supremacy.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The law names city, county, and other local agencies, as well as federal law enforcement agencies, but notably does not include law enforcement officers employed by the state, creating a distinction that the judge found discriminatory against federal agents.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
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This distinction is fast becoming one of the most consequential competitive fault lines in modern markets.—
Christopher Vollmer,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But the economy of the British empire as a whole—Britain plus Ireland plus Canada plus Australia plus New Zealand plus South Africa plus India plus the other British dominions and overseas colonies—that entity remained the world’s largest economic unit until during the First World War.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
4 Feb. 2026
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During the Cold War, Radio Free Europe broadcast news to parts of Eastern Europe that were under Communist dominion.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In 2020, Hubbard sued several student activists for defamation, accusing them of damaging his academic reputation and mental wellbeing in their campaign for his removal from campus.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Feb. 2026
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The Basque Country's culinary reputation means places like San Sebastián filled early, but nearby alternatives like Vitoria still have scattered availability.—
Ryan Craggs,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preeminence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preeminence. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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