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
Related Words
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.
In 2020, she had a recurring role on the Paramount show Yellowstone.
From BBC • May 7, 2026
The termination fee was triggered after Paramount Skydance outbid Netflix in an $81 billion deal to acquire Warner.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
Should that happen, Warner would have to reimburse Paramount.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
Even though Paramount paid the fee, the amount would be refundable under certain circumstances, which makes it an obligation for Warner.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
Paramount also stepped up its involvement in Chromatics management.
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.
