paramount

¹par·a·mount

adj \ˈper-ə-ˌmau̇nt, ˈpa-rə-\

Definition of PARAMOUNT

: superior to all others : supreme <a matter of paramount importance>

— par·a·mount·cy \-ˌmau̇n(t)-sē\ noun

— par·a·mount·ly \-ˌmau̇nt-lē\ adverb

Examples of PARAMOUNT

1. <the paramount goal is to restore the colonial-era house with complete historical accuracy>
2. <maintaining the secrecy of the agreement is of paramount importance>

Origin of PARAMOUNT

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: 1531

Related to PARAMOUNT

Synonyms: arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, foremost, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supreme

Antonyms: last, least

Related Words: 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 (or unequalled), unparalleled, unsurpassed; celebrated, famed, famous, renowned

Near Antonyms: inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant; collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at dominant

Rhymes with PARAMOUNT

bank discount, body count, cash discount, catamount, no-account, on account, rediscount, take the count, tantamount, trade discount, undercount