Search Dictionary
Definition of preeminent

preeminent

/pɹiːˈɛm.ɪ.nənt/
(UK: pre-eminent)
pre · em · i · nent
Adverb:preeminently
JUMP TO:

preeminent Lexical Profile

preeminent Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.

Example

"She is widely recognized as the preeminent constitutional scholar of her generation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for preeminent
Antonyms
View all antonyms for preeminent

Word Nuance & Usage

Because 'preeminent' is an absolute adjective meaning surpassing all others, it generally should not be modified by comparative or superlative adverbs like 'more' or 'most'.

• Rhymes for preeminent

• Nearby Words

preelection
preemie
preeminence
preeminent
preeminently
preemployment
preempt

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin 'praeeminentem', the present participle of 'praeeminere' ('to excel or project forward'), formed from 'prae-' ('before') and 'eminere' ('to stand out').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Preeminent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/preeminent
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.