paramount

¹ American  

[par-uh-mount] / ˈpær əˌmaʊnt /

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.

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noun

1. a supreme ruler; overlord.

Paramount ² American  

[par-uh-mount] / ˈpær əˌmaʊnt /

noun

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

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paramount British  

/ ˈpærəˌmaʊnt /

adjective

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

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noun

1. rare a supreme ruler

Related Words

See dominant.

Other Word Forms

• paramountcy noun
• paramountly adverb
• superparamount adjective

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”; ad-, mount ² )

Example Sentences

But fixing China becomes more paramount as a new conflict in the Middle East drives up shipping costs and could push consumer prices higher.

From The Wall Street Journal

“This agreement with Boeing is a direct reflection that speed, volume, and a resilient supply chain are paramount,” said Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment.

From MarketWatch

For Scotland, Naismith admitted getting it right for "travel and humidity" was paramount.

From BBC

Still, Trivariate found that, following oil spikes, investors psychology was paramount.

From Barron's

Still, Trivariate found that, following oil spikes, investors psychology was paramount.

From Barron's

Related Words

• outstanding
• predominant
• preeminent