paramountcy

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

par•a•mount /ˈpærəˌmaʊnt/   adj. 

1. chief in importance or effect or impact:
   a question of paramount importance.
2. above others in rank or authority;
   superior:
   the paramount leader.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

par•a•mount  (par′ə mount′), adj. 

1. chief in importance or impact;
   supreme;
   preeminent:
   a point of paramount significance.
2. above others in rank or authority;
   superior in power or jurisdiction.

n. 

3. a supreme ruler;
   overlord.

• Latin ad montem to the mountain, hence, in Old French: upward, above; see ad-, mount²
• Anglo-French paramont above, equivalent. to par per- + a mont
• 1525–35

par′a•mount′cy, n. 
par′a•mount′ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. See dominant. 

Antonyms

• 1. unimportant.

Par•a•mount  (par′ə mount′), n. 

1. Place Names a city in SW California, near Los Angeles. 36,407.