PREDOMINANT Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'predominant' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of predominant are dominant , paramount , and preponderant . While all these words mean "superior to all others in influence or importance," predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence. // a predominant emotion

Q: When can 'dominant' be used instead of 'predominant'?

While in some cases nearly identical to predominant , dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling. // a dominant social class

Q: When could 'paramount' be used to replace 'predominant'?

In some situations, the words paramount and predominant are roughly equivalent. However, paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction. // unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign

Q: In what contexts can 'preponderant' take the place of 'predominant'?

The words preponderant and predominant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, preponderant applies to an element or factor that outweighs all others in influence or effect. // preponderant evidence in her favor

predominant

adjective

pri-ˈdä-mə-nənt

Definition of predominant next

as in main

coming before all others in importance parental involvement has been found to be the predominant factor in a child's success in school

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How is the word predominant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of predominant are dominant, paramount, and preponderant. While all these words mean "superior to all others in influence or importance," predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence.

a predominant emotion

When can dominant be used instead of predominant?

While in some cases nearly identical to predominant, dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling.

a dominant social class

When could paramount be used to replace predominant?

In some situations, the words paramount and predominant are roughly equivalent. However, paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction.

unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign

In what contexts can preponderant take the place of predominant?

The words preponderant and predominant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 predominant The predominant green hues often seen in auroras are characteristic of oxygen, while nitrogen can produce purples, blues and pinks. —

George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024 Simply paying people to plant trees has long been a predominant feature of the carbon-offsets market, which is one reason offsets are widely considered to be so sketchy. —

Mark Gongloff, Boston Herald, 28 Dec. 2024 Tourism and farming are the predominant activities in the area. —

Roger Sands, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024 Chin-Hong said there are two predominant strains of the virus circulating: H1N1 and H3N2, with the latter virus associated with more severe disease, which may be causing the surges of hospitalizations abroad. —

Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for predominant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predominant

Adjective

Experian, as one of the three main credit bureaus, holds significant power over consumers' financial health.

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
Internationally, the United States is gaining allies, whereas its main adversaries, China and Russia, are increasingly embattled.

Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025