paramount
adjective
chief in importance or impact; supreme; preeminent.
paramount
1 American
[par-uh-mount]
/ ˈpær əˌmaʊnt /
adjective
-
chief in importance or impact; supreme; preeminent.
a point of paramount significance.
- Antonyms:
- unimportant
-
above others in rank or authority; superior in power or jurisdiction.
noun
Paramount
2
American
[par-uh-mount]
/ ˈpær əˌmaʊnt /
noun
paramount
British
/ ˈpærəˌmaʊnt /
adjective
noun
Synonym Usage
See dominant.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of paramount
First recorded in 1525–35; from Anglo-French paramont “above,” from par per- + amont “upward, above” (from Latin ad montem “to the mountain”; see ad-, mount 2)
Explanation
To the President, protecting our nation's security is of paramount importance — it's at the very top of his to-do list. Paramount goes way beyond "important." It's absolutely critical. Something that is of paramount importance has a great urgency to it. Getting your oil changed is important, but making sure your car's brakes are working before you drive down a steep, icy slope is absolutely paramount.
Vocabulary lists containing paramount
"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 8–13
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Frankenstein
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Very Necessary: Synonyms for "Important"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Food journalism allowed me to combine my love of writing and editing with my interest in food and its paramount importance in our lives.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
An Etsy spokesperson said it had removed all the listings flagged by Which?, adding: "Keeping our users safe is paramount."
From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026
Since her closing argument during that campaign emphasized “turning the page” on division, it’s safe to say that unity in the name of patriotism would be her paramount goal during the festivities.
From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2026
However, for everyone I spoke to, anonymity was absolutely paramount to the work they were trying to accomplish.
From Slate ● Jun. 15, 2026
For Lutheran Pietists like Bach, illuminating the Gospel was paramount, as were metaphors of light and transparency.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
Companies at or near the 39% ownership limit include Nexstar, Fox, CBS parent Paramount and E.W.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
Paramount is facing a June 4 deadline to finalize the deal or pay Warner a $7-billion break-up fee.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026
Britain on Thursday gave the green light to Paramount Skydance's $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros.
From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026
Paramount agreed not to consolidate U.K. television channels and streaming services and to commission original local children’s content.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
On the strength of a demonstration, Paramount agreed to build a manufacturing plant to turn out prototype tubes in Oakland.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
