paramount

¹

[par-uh-mount]

adjective

1. chief in importance or impact; supreme; preeminent.

   a point of paramount significance.

   Antonyms: unimportant

2. above others in rank or authority; superior in power or jurisdiction.

noun

1. a supreme ruler; overlord.

Paramount

²

[par-uh-mount]

noun

1. a city in SW California, near Los Angeles.

paramount

/ ˈpærəˌmaʊnt /

adjective

1. of the greatest importance or significance; pre-eminent

noun

1. rare,  a supreme ruler

Other Word Forms

• paramountcy noun
• paramountly adverb
• superparamount adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paramount¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Anglo-French paramont “above,” from par per- + amont “upward, above” (from Latin ad montem “to the mountain”; ad-, mount ² )

Word History and Origins

Origin of paramount¹

C16: via Anglo-Norman from Old French paramont, from par by + -amont above, from Latin ad montem to the mountain

Synonym Study

See dominant.

Example Sentences

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said it was “reviewing the terms carefully” but stressed that “security concerns remain paramount.”

From Salon

"Your safety is paramount so absolutely don't take a chance with these warnings in place," she said.

From BBC

The committee’s role in vaccine insurance coverage and availability in the U.S. is paramount.

From Los Angeles Times

Maintaining the picture of happy partnerships and stable families was paramount.

From Salon

When facing teams that stubbornly deeply defend their own box, the first goal is paramount in forcing teams to come out, opening up space to attack.

From BBC

Related Words

• outstanding 
• predominant 
• preeminent