dominate

verb

dom·​i·​nate ˈdä-mə-ˌnāt 

dominated; dominating

transitive verb

1

: rule, control

an empire that dominated the world

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

intransitive verb

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

dominative

ˈdä-mə-ˌnā-tiv 

adjective

dominator

ˈdä-mə-ˌnā-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• conquer
• overpower
• pacify
• subdue
• subject
• subjugate
• subordinate
• vanquish

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

Though the hosts were the better team in the first half, and should have put several chances away, Barca dominated the proceedings in the second installment of 45 minutes with a brace from Robert Lewandowski plus further goals scored by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

But if Ohtani is not, the Dodgers should have the necessary firepower to continue dominating the Yankees. —Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024

While heritage luxury largely dominated the Hottest Brands list—Miu Miu, Loewe, Prada, Saint Laurent, Alaïa, Bottega Veneta, Jacquemus, Gucci, The Row and Valentino made up the top 10—contemporary labels and premium brands also saw big wins in the third quarter. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 25 Oct. 2024

This week in the genre that’s currently dominating music, hiatuses have ended and new chapters are being written. —Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin dominatus, past participle of dominari, from dominus master; akin to Latin domus house — more at dome

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids 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

domination

ˌdäm-ə-ˈnā-shən

noun

dominative

ˈdäm-ə-ˌnāt-iv 

adjective

dominator

-ˌnāt-ər 

noun

Etymology

derived from Latin dominari "to rule, govern, control," from dominus "master, owner" — related to condominium, dame, domain, dominion, don entry 2