dominate
verb
dom·i·nate
ˈdä-mə-ˌnāt 
dominated; dominating
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
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
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
The day’s news was dominated by the Federal Reserve.
—
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2025
America’s nicotine vape market is dominated by products smuggled in violation of federal rules — more than 90% of Chinese vape products enter the country skirting import rules.
—Edgar Domenech, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
The group of central banks that expect to raise their own bullion reserves was dominated by institutions in emerging and developing markets.
—Royston Wild, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
The car won 15 of 16 races, dominating the field unlike any car before.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dominate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2025
America’s nicotine vape market is dominated by products smuggled in violation of federal rules — more than 90% of Chinese vape products enter the country skirting import rules.
—Edgar Domenech, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
The group of central banks that expect to raise their own bullion reserves was dominated by institutions in emerging and developing markets.
—Royston Wild, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
The car won 15 of 16 races, dominating the field unlike any car before.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dominate
Cite this Entry
“Dominate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dominate. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Etymology
derived from Latin dominari "to rule, govern, control," from dominus "master, owner" — related to condominium, dame, domain, dominion, don entry 2
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