dominate
verb
dom·i·nate
ˈdä-mə-ˌnāt 
dominated; dominating
2
: to exert the supreme determining or guiding influence on
the ambition that has dominated his life
3
: to overlook from a superior elevation or command because of superior height or position
a hill that dominates the town
4
a
: to be predominant in
sugar maples dominate the forest
b
: to have a commanding or preeminent place or position in
name brands dominate the market
1
: to have or exert mastery, control, or preeminence
his desire to dominate
a dominating factor in industrial growth
2
: to occupy a more elevated or superior position
Examples of dominate in a Sentence
One company has dominated the market for years.
He dominated her life for many years.
His work dominated the art scene last year.
Our team dominated throughout the game.
Our team dominated play throughout the game.
Recent Examples on the Web
Feehan dominated the third and fourth sets to overwhelm the Bishops and earn a bounce-back 3-1 win (25-27, 26-24, 25-8, 25-9) at McIntyre Gymnasium after dropping its first match of the season last week.
—
Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
The midfielder has dominated world football in recent years and was once again crucial to Barcelona Femení’s success last season.
—David Close, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Introduced by the Irish government in 2012 for non-EU nationals with a personal wealth of at least €2 million, applications were dominated by wealthy Chinese individuals.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
Freight rates thus far in the second half of 2025 have been characterized by a constant decline on the heels of tariff whiplash that largely dominated the April-to-June stretch and ultimately upended (and cut short) the typical August-to-October peak shipping season.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dominate
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Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
The midfielder has dominated world football in recent years and was once again crucial to Barcelona Femení’s success last season.
—David Close, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Introduced by the Irish government in 2012 for non-EU nationals with a personal wealth of at least €2 million, applications were dominated by wealthy Chinese individuals.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
Freight rates thus far in the second half of 2025 have been characterized by a constant decline on the heels of tariff whiplash that largely dominated the April-to-June stretch and ultimately upended (and cut short) the typical August-to-October peak shipping season.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dominate
Cite this Entry
“Dominate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dominate. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dominate
verb
dom·i·nate
ˈdäm-ə-ˌnāt
dominated; dominating
1
: to have a commanding position or controlling power over
2
: to seem to command by rising high above
a volcano dominates the island
Etymology
derived from Latin dominari "to rule, govern, control," from dominus "master, owner" — related to condominium, dame, domain, dominion, don entry 2
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