preeminent

pre·em·i·nent

adj \-nənt\

Definition of PREEMINENT

: having paramount rank, dignity, or importance : outstanding, supreme

— pre·em·i·nent·ly adverb

Examples of PREEMINENT

1. She's the preeminent chef in a city that has many good ones.
2. The poem is a preeminent example of his work.

Origin of PREEMINENT

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PREEMINENT

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, paramount, predominant, foremost, 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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