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
In that house Lady Fawn reigned supreme, and no one ever doubted, for a moment, as to obedience. —Anthony Trollope
On the runways, glitter and gorgeousness ruled supreme … —Liza Foreman
see also supreme being
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
3
: 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
4
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
supremely
adverb
a supremely [=extremely] confident performer/player
supremely important ideas
supremeness
noun
Cite this Entry
“Supreme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supreme. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.
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