paramount
0 antonyms and opposites of paramount, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Supreme in importance, rank, or authority; overriding everything else.
How to use paramount
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman paramount, literally "above" — from Old French par ("by, through") + amont ("upward, toward the mountain"). The sense of "supreme" grew naturally out of "above everything else."
Full origin of paramount →Frequently asked questions
What does “paramount” mean?
The word “paramount” means supreme in importance, rank, or authority; overriding everything else. In plain terms, more important than anything else — the top priority, no exceptions.
How do you pronounce “paramount”?
“Paramount” is pronounced PA-ruh-mownt (/ˈpæɹəˌmaʊnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “paramount” in a sentence?
Here is “paramount” used in a sentence: “Safety is paramount when working with heavy machinery.”
What part of speech is “paramount”?
Depending on how it is used, “paramount” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “paramount” come from?
The word “paramount” comes from Old French. From Anglo-Norman paramount, literally "above" — from Old French par ("by, through") + amont ("upward, toward the mountain"). The sense of "supreme" grew naturally out of "above everything else.".
Is “paramount” a common word?
“Paramount” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “paramount” have?
“Paramount” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: supreme in importance, rank, or authority; overriding everything else.
What is the difference between paramount and important?
Paramount means supreme in importance, ranking above everything else, while important simply indicates something matters without implying it outranks all other concerns. Something described as paramount is treated as the single most critical factor, not just one important one among several.
Is paramount formal or informal in register?
Paramount is a formal word, commonly found in legal, official, and academic writing, such as "the safety of the public is paramount." It would sound unusually stiff in casual conversation, where "most important" or "top priority" is more natural.
Can paramount be used as a noun as well as an adjective?
Yes, besides its common use as an adjective meaning supreme in importance, paramount can also function as a noun referring to a supreme ruler or chief with the highest authority in a region. The noun usage is far less common than the adjective.