dominant

adjective

ˈdä-mə-nənt How to pronounce dominant (audio)
Definition of dominantnext
as in main
coming before all others in importance the dominant authority on the English language

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dominant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dominant are paramount, predominant, and preponderant. While all these words mean "superior to all others in influence or importance," dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling.

a dominant social class

When is paramount a more appropriate choice than dominant?

While in some cases nearly identical to dominant, paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction.

unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign

When is it sensible to use predominant instead of dominant?

The words predominant and dominant can be used in similar contexts, but predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence.

a predominant emotion

When would preponderant be a good substitute for dominant?

While the synonyms preponderant and dominant are close in meaning, preponderant applies to an element or factor that outweighs all others in influence or effect.

preponderant evidence in her favor

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dominant The 24-time grand slam winner was utterly dominant throughout, facing just one break point all game. —Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 1 June 2025 Both teams used a dominant run in the playoffs to get to this point, setting up what should be an entertaining series of basketball. —Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025 To coach Tyler Marsh, connecting with this dominant version of Cardoso isn’t just a tactical challenge — it’s entirely predicated on the center’s mental approach. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025 But perhaps the most dominant aspect of the win came on the defensive end. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dominant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominant
  1. main
  2. predominant
  3. primary
  4. foremost
  5. big
  6. leading
  7. first
Adjective
  • Israel hit Iran’s main enrichment site at Natanz, its leading nuclear scientists, and struck the heart of its ballistic missile program, Netanyahu said.
    — Spencer Kimball,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 June 2025
  • While the offensive was a strategic defeat for the communists, its main casualty was President Lyndon Johnson.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
Definition of main
Adjective
  • But the predominant theme of the debate was Cuomo facing attacks from the eight other candidates, who laced into him on everything from public safety and education to affordable housing production and the ex-governor’s integrity.
    — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
  • Apparently natural selection among the Uru, Aymara and Quechua peoples of the Bolivian Altiplano took DNA sequences that are present but rare in other populations around the world and increased their frequency to the point where the normally uncommon sequences are predominant in these groups.
    — Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
Definition of predominant
Adjective
  • Joe Schoen and Daboll already are giving a ton of key players days and weeks off this spring, limiting the football that some of their primary contributors are playing.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
  • The dining room and kitchen lead to an expansive primary suite overlooking the backyard terrace.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • The foremost conflict playing out across the Middle East today is between Israel and Iran, a nation that already possesses a sophisticated and large-scale nuclear program.
    — Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Definition of foremost
Adjective
  • The Fever is coming off of a big 79-52 victory against the Chicago Sky, while the Dream is coming off of an 84-76 loss against the Connecticut Sun.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 10 June 2025
  • The move proved fortuitous, as NBA franchise values have soared, with the biggest percentage gains at the bottom of the financial table, thanks to the league’s new 11-year, $77 billion TV contract.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 10 June 2025
Definition of big
Adjective
  • But Hollywood can play a leading role in turning the tide.
    — Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
  • When Darren Criss picked up a Tony Award on Sunday night for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a musical for his turn in Maybe Happy Ending, the veteran star became the third straight Glee alum to win a trophy on Broadway’s biggest night.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
Definition of leading
Adjective
  • Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 6 June 2025
  • Her hard work and achievements paid off when, in 1983, Louisiana State University Medical Center hired her to become the nation’s first woman to lead a cardiovascular surgery division.
    — Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Definition of first

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Cite this Entry

“Dominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dominant. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dominant

Nglish: Translation of dominant for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dominant

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