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

Example 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 Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Town have been dominant on that end, and Josh Hart has been very consistent as the connector. —

The Athletic Nba Staff, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 The Oklahoma City Thunder are that dominant, on both ends of the floor. —

Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2025 Republicans, meanwhile, sought to prevent their dominant rivals from running too far from the man who from the 1980s until his ouster in 2021 was the most powerful singular force in Springfield. —

Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025 Since launching in 2017, YouTube TV has grown into one of the dominant pay-TV providers in the U.S., reaching 8 million subscribers as of last year. —

Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dominant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominant

Adjective

Research shows that there are three main reasons why migrants die trying to reach the U.S. from Mexico.

— Marni LaFleur, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
Here are some highlights from the discussion: Drake became the show’s main character in absentia.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025