DOMINANT Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

dominant

adjective

ˈdä-mə-nənt

Definition of dominant next

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

Examples 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 Remember how the 49ers squeaked out playoff wins over the Packers and Lions a year ago after being so dominant all year? —

Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025 Scott has been a dominant reliever the past couple of seasons, with a 2.04 ERA in 150 innings, giving up 98 hits and striking out 188 while walking 60. —

Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025 Daniels picked up a technical foul in frustration during the third quarter and fouled out late in the fourth, cementing Brunson’s dominant performance. —

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2025 During the 1950s, the Lions were dominant, winning three league titles prior to the Super Bowl era. —

Matthew Scogin, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dominant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominant

Adjective

Located on the 17th floor of 200 Crescent Court, the locale is a private dining club with a bar and main dining room.

— Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Jan. 2025
Israel would pull its troops back from Gaza's main population centers in the first stage of the deal, allowing its residents to return to what remains of their homes as more humanitarian aid permeates the Strip and those who are injured receive treatment.

— Ellie Cook, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025