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 With 13 Most Valuable Player Awards between the Colts, Ravens, Orioles and Bullets, Baltimore fans have witnessed their fair share of dominant campaigns. —

Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2025 The fall of the Assad regime in Syria and the military defeat of Hezbollah, the militia that has long been Lebanon’s dominant political force, have also meant a sudden loss of power for their patron, Iran. —

Dayana Iwaza, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 New York defender Ella Shelton scored the league’s first-ever goal en route to a dominant 4-0 win over host Toronto at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. —

Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 The Omicron variant first was detected in late 2021 and has remained the dominant variant since then. —

Dave Wessner, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dominant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominant

Adjective

Experian, as one of the three main credit bureaus, holds significant power over consumers' financial health.

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
As for Monday night’s other matches, Jey Uso defeated Drew McIntyre and CM Punk defeated Seth Rollins in a brutal main event.

Jack Dunn, Variety, 7 Jan. 2025