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

as in main

coming before all others in importance the dominant authority on the English language

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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 Atlanta followed with another victory, as Penix threw for 223 yards and Bijan Robinson rushed for 145 in a dominant win over the New Orleans Saints. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Malachi Toney, Miami, 2026 Toney was again electric in the matchup, piling up 185 total yards and then capping his dominant outing with a two-point pass to Cooper Barkate to create the game’s final score, 43-35. — Steve Svekis, Sun Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026 But this is the Sunflower Showdown, and the streak remains the dominant topic. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026 It's been a dominant run for the Hendrick Motorsports driver, reminiscent of Jimmie Johnson's peak in the 2000s. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dominant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominant

Adjective

Spray bottle on bottom shelf of main prep table lacking label information.

— NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Through the program, this year’s Rising Stars will connect with industry leaders and take part in the festival’s main activities, from panel discussions and media engagements to the red carpet.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

The defense team plans to employ Othram to conduct a Y-STR test, a method that isolates DNA from the Y chromosome to generate a profile of a male contributor in samples where female DNA is predominant.

— Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
There are two predominant rumors about how a wild herd ended up in the Inland Empire, Spasojevic said.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of predominant

Adjective

The primary danger of these apps is not the fees associated with using just one, Feltner noted.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The bill was introduced over a year ago, and its primary backer was the late Lindsey Graham, a veteran Republican senator who represented South Carolina.

— Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of primary

Adjective

One man who always has a lot to say is Josh Pate, the college football commentator who started from humble beginnings and is now one of the foremost voices in the sport.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
If aesthetics is the foremost priority, Lulu and Georgia offers office furniture that would look more at home in an interior design studio than a corporate high-rise.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of foremost

Adjective

At the end of September, leaders of several of the biggest AI companies went to the White House and signed an accord committing to internal risk controls, independent audits and board-level oversight of safety.

— Giorgos Tsetis, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Go rebound the basketball, go protect the rim, be a big big for us.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of big

Adjective

Val Kilmer was a brilliant character actor who looked like an absolutely gorgeous, dynamic leading man; to me, that is Glen.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
This is especially important — breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American women.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of leading

Adjective

Ukraine received no warning from its partners ahead of the first wave of attacks, and information about a second wave arrived too late for air raid sirens to be activated in time, air force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said on national television.

— SAMYA KULLAB, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
The model became the first real hit in the emerging athletic shoe industry.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of first

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“Dominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dominant. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of dominant

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