paramount
adjective
chief in importance or impact; supreme; preeminent.
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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:
"Guaranteeing our naval and joint forces have the lethal firepower they need to deter aggression and protect the homeland is paramount," Cao said in a statement.
From Barron's ● Aug. 17, 2026
With hiring managers prioritizing in-person work and AI able to tackle routine tasks that traditionally monopolized entry-level workers’ time, one could argue being agreeable is paramount.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 13, 2026
“Ownership mentality is paramount for me,” she added, explaining that she traces that approach to a childhood watching her parents, immigrants from Taiwan, build a bricks-and-mortar travel agency.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026
The studio's survival is paramount to many of the artists, especially given New Bell's bitter environment.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
Josquin was the first composer in history for whom the meaning of the words being sung was paramount.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
Paramount has indicated it is prepared to leave California if it can’t reach an agreement with Bonta and the other states before the ticking fee goes into effect.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026
He’s also been a major irritant to David Ellison and other top Paramount executives as the actor took a starring role, drumming up opposition in Hollywood to Paramount’s proposed takeover of Warner Bros.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026
Bonta and Paramount Chief Executive David Ellison are scheduled to meet Monday to discuss settling the antitrust lawsuit filed by 12 states.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026
Paramount would have to sell businesses, what he calls “robust structural remedies,” to make the deal work, Bonta said last week on CNBC.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026
He even had a studio contract with Paramount.
From Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm
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.
