paramount

/ˈpa.ɹə.maʊnt/adjective

More important than anything else; of the highest priority.

Example sentences

“On a construction site, safety is paramount.”
“For the new manager, keeping customers happy was paramount.”
“Protecting patient privacy is of paramount importance to the clinic.”

Usually comes after the verb 'be' ('safety is paramount') or in the set phrase 'of paramount importance'. It is stronger than 'important' or 'main', so it does not take 'very' or 'more'.

Featured as word of the day on January 6, 2026.

Synonyms for paramount

supreme
foremost
overriding
primary

Antonyms

minor
secondary
unimportant

Find it in: Advanced English words.

Related words

paragonSomeone so excellent that others treat them as the ideal example to copy.pariahSomeone whom society or their community refuses to accept; an outcast.paltrySo small or worthless as to be almost meaningless.palpableAble to be touched or physically felt; so strong it seems almost physical.pallidLacking color or brightness; looking pale and weak.palatableAcceptable enough that people are willing to agree to it or put up with it.