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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Frankenstein
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Very Necessary: Synonyms for "Important"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Morrisons said it could not comment on individual cases, but the health and safety of all colleagues and customers was of paramount importance.
From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026
“My paramount feeling is that I’m grateful these women came forward,” Schiff said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
His role out of possession has been paramount to City's revival in the second part of the season too.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
“The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is greatly damaging. The restoration of freedom of navigation is of paramount importance,” she said.
From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026
The paramount chief’s location may become the state’s capital city.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
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.
