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 Still, in every respect, the U.S. has never been so dominant. —

Ron Insana, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024 Defensively, the 49ers were just as dominant, receiving first-half sacks from Leonard Floyd (two), Yetur Gross-Matos and Maliek Collins. —

Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2024 So scoring 36 straight points on the Commodores, turning in another dominant defensive performance, getting another clear step forward from redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava, and winning 36-23 to unofficially clinch a Playoff spot was even better than all that sounds. —

Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 1 Dec. 2024 The Bulldogs aren’t nearly as dominant as the team that won back-to-back national titles during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. —

Paul Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dominant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominant

Adjective

Assad's fall came after his main backers, Russia, Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, were either distracted or weakened by other conflicts.

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
The cover is the first to feature Dalinar Kholin, one of the series' main protagonists, who is depicted standing atop a mystical tower as a devastating storm approaches.

Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024