reigns supreme

USAGE SUMMARY

"reigns supreme" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person or thing that has absolute control, authority, or power over something else. For example, you could say, "In the world of high-end luxury fashion, Chanel reigns supreme."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But melody reigns supreme.

The New York Times - Arts

Snobbery reigns supreme.

The Guardian

Soccer reigns supreme.

The New York Times

But Joy reigns supreme.

The New York Times

But in this universe, programming reigns supreme.

The New York Times

The free market reigns supreme.

The Guardian - Opinion

In urban, liberal England Labour reigns supreme.

The Guardian

Right now, it seems, education reigns supreme.

The New York Times

Among publicists, one cautionary tale reigns supreme.

The New York Times

In a consumer society, choice reigns supreme.

The Guardian

He suggests that God, rather than the Spanish, reigns supreme.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reigns supreme", ensure the context clearly defines the scope of dominance. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "reigns supreme" in casual or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound out of place in everyday conversations or relaxed narratives.

Linguistic Context

Predicate: "Reigns supreme" functions as a predicate, indicating the state of being dominant or pre-eminent. Ludwig AI shows examples where melody, soccer, and even abstract concepts like joy or irrationality can be described as reigning supreme.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reigns supreme" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote ultimate dominance or prevalence. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals its common usage in news and media, with secondary usage in scientific, formal business and encyclopedia contexts. While generally neutral in register, it carries a slightly formal tone, making it more suitable for professional or academic writing than casual conversation. Ludwig confirms that this phrase effectively emphasizes the unrivaled authority or influence of a subject, as shown across its examples. Related phrases include "holds sway" and "is dominant", offering writers alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is dominant

This alternative is a more straightforward and literal way of expressing dominance.

is preeminent

This alternative suggests a higher degree of distinction and excellence compared to others.

is paramount

This alternative emphasizes the supreme importance or ranking of something.

is unsurpassed

This alternative means that nothing is better or greater.

holds sway

This alternative uses a more figurative expression to indicate influence or control.

is the ultimate

This alternative suggests that something is the best or most advanced of its kind.

prevails

This alternative focuses on the idea of overcoming and being victorious or most common.

takes precedence

This alternative indicates that something is considered more important than other things.

is in control

This alternative focuses on having power or authority over something.

is at the top

This alternative is a simple and direct way to indicate the highest position or rank.

FAQs

How can I use "reigns supreme" in a sentence?

You can use "reigns supreme" to emphasize the dominance or prevalence of something in a particular context. For example, "In the realm of classical music, Bach "reigns supreme"."

What are some alternatives to "reigns supreme"?

Some alternatives include "holds sway", "is dominant", or "prevails", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "reigns supreme" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "reigns supreme" carries a formal tone. It's generally more suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts than for casual conversations.

What's the difference between "reigns supreme" and "is the best"?

"Reigns supreme" implies not only being the best but also having unchallenged dominance or authority. "Is the best" simply indicates superior quality without necessarily implying control or power.