supreme

The word “supreme” means having the highest power or authority; dominant over all others. In plain terms, the very highest in rank, power, or degree.

“Supreme” is pronounced soo-PREEM (/ˌsuˈpɹim/ in IPA).

Here is “supreme” used in a sentence: “The Supreme Court has the final say in constitutional matters.”

The opposite of “supreme” — its antonyms — are inferior and minor.

“Supreme” is an adjective.

The word “supreme” comes from Latin. From Latin supremus, the superlative of superus ("above"). A doublet of supremo.

“Supreme” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Supreme” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having the highest power or authority; dominant over all others.

Supreme means the very highest, above everything else, with nothing greater. Superior simply means better than something specific it is compared to, without being the ultimate. A supreme court is the top authority; a superior product is merely better than a rival. Superior is relative and comparative; supreme is absolute and unmatched.

The Supreme Court is a clear example, the highest court whose decisions cannot be overruled. Supreme commander describes the top military leader, and supreme ruler means one with total authority. Beyond power, it can describe a peak quality, as in supreme confidence or supreme effort, meaning the greatest possible.

Supreme is generally positive or admiring, suggesting excellence, mastery, or the highest rank, as in supreme skill or supreme achievement. In the context of power, it is neutral, simply denoting the top authority. It only turns negative when it implies arrogance or unchecked dominance, such as claiming supreme control over others.

Opposites depend on the sense. For power, the opposite is subordinate, inferior, or lowest, ranking below others rather than above. For quality, opposites include poor, mediocre, or ordinary. Where supreme means the highest and unmatched, its antonyms describe whatever sits at the bottom or falls short of the best.