1
: highest in rank or authority
the supreme commander
especially
: in a position of unquestioned authority, dominance, or influence
the nation's supreme leader
This Constitution … shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. —
U.S. Constitution
U.S. Constitution In that house Lady Fawn reigned supreme, and no one ever doubted, for a moment, as to obedience. —Anthony Trollope
Anthony Trollope On the runways, glitter and gorgeousness ruled supreme … —Liza Foreman
see also supreme being
Liza Foreman 2
: greatest in degree, quality, or intensity
supreme satisfaction/pleasure/indifference
His was the perfect poise, the supreme confidence in self, which nothing could shake …—Jack London
Jack London3
: characterized by highest excellence or achievement : outstanding
supreme among musicians
a supreme athlete
… does not a supreme poet blend light and sound into one, calling darkness mute, and light eloquent?—George Eliot
George Eliot4
b
: of utmost importance : crucial
… I knew exactly what I wanted to do as an adult. I would study dinosaurs, a firm conviction inspired by one supreme moment of childhood terror dissipated by fascination—my first look at Tyrannosaurus rex in the American Museum of Natural History.—Stephen Jay Gould
Stephen Jay Gould
supremely
adverb
a supremely [=extremely] confident performer/player
supremely important ideas
supremeness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of supreme in a Sentence
The board has supreme authority over such issues.
She has an air of supreme confidence about her.
the supreme example of what not to do
a problem of supreme importance
It's a matter of supreme indifference to her.
Recent Examples on the Web
My brother and many of my close friends paid the supreme sacrifice.
—The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 6 June 2024
In 1989: Islamic Republic of Iran’s first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a former exile who led a 1978-79 revolution to end its monarchy, died.
—The Arizona Republic, 3 June 2024
Wilson Center distinguished fellow Robin Wright, who has interviewed the last six presidents of Iran, said Raisi was expected to be reelected to a second term as president and oversee the transition process of a new supreme leader — if not assume the role himself.
—James Hider, NPR, 20 May 2024
His views are very close to those of the supreme leader.
—Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for supreme 
The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 6 June 2024
In 1989: Islamic Republic of Iran’s first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a former exile who led a 1978-79 revolution to end its monarchy, died.
—The Arizona Republic, 3 June 2024
Wilson Center distinguished fellow Robin Wright, who has interviewed the last six presidents of Iran, said Raisi was expected to be reelected to a second term as president and oversee the transition process of a new supreme leader — if not assume the role himself.
—James Hider, NPR, 20 May 2024
His views are very close to those of the supreme leader.
—Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for supreme
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'supreme.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near supreme
Cite this Entry
“Supreme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supreme. Accessed 27 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
supreme
adjective
su·preme
sə-ˈprēm 
sü-
1
: highest in rank or authority
2
: highest in degree or quality
3
: greatest in degree
giving one's life is the supreme sacrifice
supremely
adverb
supremeness
noun
Etymology
from Latin supremus, a form of superus "upper," from super "over, above"
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