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 As Mexico braces for hard-line immigration and trade policies promised by the incoming Trump administration, America's southern neighbor is also contending with a fresh swell of violence rooted in a power struggle within its most dominant transnational criminal organization, the Sinaloa Cartel. —

Tom O'Connor, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024 That dominant crosspiece was somehow transported from Scotland, about 700 miles to the north. —

Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 28 Dec. 2024 According to industry experts, Mexicans are increasingly switching from traditionally dominant sedans to Chinese vehicles due to a combination of comfort, technology and price. —

Afp, Fortune Asia, 27 Dec. 2024 However, the deal could give Discover better leverage in negotiating prices with the two dominant network players. —

Trefis Team, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dominant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominant

Adjective

Fertilizers are made up of three main nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

Charlotte Minnick, Hartford Courant, 20 Dec. 2024
Still, their price is far from their main selling point: The Summits have an easy slip-on design with elastic laces, a breathable memory foam insole, and over 1,700 five-star reviews on Skechers’s site.

Sara Coughlin, SELF, 20 Dec. 2024