Definition of dominantnext

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 One dominant idea holds that plate tectonics, much like today’s, was already running in the Hadean, with continental crust forming above subduction zones—areas where tectonic plates collide. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 5 July 2026 The dominant aesthetic, whether in the rooms or in public areas, is what can only be described as India contemporary. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026 When freedom becomes the dominant word, the underlying structure that the founders cared about becomes less visible. Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2026 Japan led 17-10 at halftime and kept Italy scoreless in the second half, the defense making 12 dominant tackles and giving the Italians little room to breathe. ABC News, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dominant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominant
Adjective
  • Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools opted for main entrance improvements while 14 chose to modernize their check-in and visitor badging systems.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • India’s main stock index last month outperformed other emerging markets by the most since November, and foreign outflows hit a four-month low.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • The name of the predominant flavor must appear as part of the product name.
    Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Matthew Harmon of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, representing law enforcement, the predominant users of ALPRs in the area.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Roughly two-thirds of American households own their primary residence, according to the Federal Survey of Consumer Finances from 2022, the most recent edition.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The capacity of the primary viewing area at the Washington Monument is set at about 150,000, according to Secret Service Special Agent in Charge David Yamen, who runs the agency's dignitary protective division.
    Maria Sullivan, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The day’s matches started off with a thrilling contest between Norway and the Ivory Coast, which went all the way down to the final minutes before one of the tournament’s foremost stars scored a crucial goal to send the Norwegians through.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    Vaidotas Juknys, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Meta, Oracle, Microsoft and other big tech companies have laid off tens of thousands of employees, while simultaneously investing billions in AI data centers.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Also in attendance to celebrate the couple on their big day was Dunham's ex and Swift's longtime collaborator, Jack Antonoff, who was seen leaving for the event with his sister, Rachel Antonoff.
    Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Monday’s game will not be easy, especially without Balogun, Team USA’s leading scorer, who will miss the match while serving his red card suspension.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Even among leading manufacturers, productivity still trails human workers.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Kimpton also always gets a guide on the first day of a trip to show her the sights.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • That came in the spring of 2025, about 11 months after his dad had been sacked as coach, when Pochettino, the new manager, gave the younger Berhalter his first national team call-up.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dominant. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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