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
Adjective
  • In 2000, Smithfield Foods, the state’s predominant producer of hogs, agreed to pay $1 per hog produced in the state — for a total of up to $2 million — into a fund, with part of that money used to research more environmentally friendly ways of handling hog waste.
    Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Still, the predominant thought was his interview was a push by the Bears to fulfill the NFL’s Rooney Rule as the team positions itself to make a head coaching hire.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Houston’s primary return in the Pressly trade would be salary relief and some flexibility for other acquisitions.
    Sahadev Sharma, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Her primary musical foil is longtime collaborator Koreless, there are also contributions from Marius de Vries (Bjork), Ojivolta (Kanye West, Rose) and many others, although most of the big-name hitmakers (Jeff Bhasker, Stargate, Stuart Price) only pop in for a song or two.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The evening will be hosted by Young, and will feature readings from some of the foremost poetic voices in America.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    Sophie Alcorn, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Where to Watch ‘The Brutalist’: The three-and-a-half-hour epic about a fictional Hungarian architect won big at the Golden Globes.
    The New York Times, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The biggest news is that Weebit has licensed its memory technology to onsemi.
    Thomas Coughlin, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Musk, who has already been taking a leading role in running DOGE, will continue to do so.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The United States may take a leading role in this arena, driven by its LNG sales.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Both of their first court appearances are scheduled for Saturday morning, jail records show.
    Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Sutton was the first D.C. police officer to be convicted of murder for conduct while on duty.
    Janelle Griffith, NBC News, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near dominant

Cite this Entry

“Dominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dominant. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dominant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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