DOMINATE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

dominate

verb

ˈdä-mə-ˌnāt

Definition of dominate

as in to subdue

to bring under one's control by force of arms The tyrant used brute force to dominate all countries in the region.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to overlook

to look down on The remains of an ancient fortress dominate the town.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 dominate Experts say developing fully homemade drones, given that Japan's commercial market is dominated by imports from China, would be a challenge. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 Women run the United Center Want further evidence of how completely women dominate mainstream pop? — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 In a market dominated by retro basketball shoes and 2000s tech runners, this chunky and vibrant retro skate shoe cut through the noise. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026 The revolutionaries who led the offensive dominate the seats of power in Tehran. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dominate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominate

Verb

Called Defendu, the fighting technique with the knife was a combination of fierce aggression, speed, and strength to subdue an opponent as quickly as possible.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
When police officers in Oklahoma admitted to using electro-shock gloves to subdue two students over the 2025-2026 school year, the community was rightfully outraged.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

Travel gear deals While the bigger-ticket Labor Day weekend deals come in the form of flights and hotels, don't overlook retail sales.

— Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Many of the 76 rooms and suites include private terraces overlooking Gran Via with the upper floor rooms facing the ornate gold dome of the Metropolis, one of Madrid’s most famous buildings.

— Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of overlook

Verb

Then again, Bentley still knows a thing or two about racing, most recently conquering the challenging and prestigious Bathurst 12 Hours race in 2020 with a GT3 version of the Continental GT3.

— Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
The ancient creature’s paddle-like abdominal limbs provide direct fossil evidence that insects conquered land through a prolonged semi-aquatic phase rather than an abrupt transition.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of conquer

Verb

He was encouraged by the surge of Seattle rock around him, from Mudhoney, fronted by Gossard and Ament’s former Green River bandmate Mark Arm, to Soundgarden, whose next album would be Badmotorfinger.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
Ariana Madix, who recently earned her first Emmy nomination for her duties on the dating series, is set to front the show once again.

— Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of front

Verb

Meta may end up subjecting its users, regardless of age, to age verification practices that may include requiring a government ID and biometric scans.

— Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 2 Sep. 2026
But leaving a stone or steel in the bottom of your oven could subject it to unintentional splatters and spills.

— Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of subject

Verb

Taylor pitched a career-high 2 2/3 scoreless relief innings and was credited with the win as the Sox defeated the Twins 7-4 in front of 28,140.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
The Senate Leadership Fund, a political committee controlled by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, has committed to spending $44 million in Georgia in hopes of defeating Ossoff.

— Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of defeat

Verb

The Tar Heels’ ability to overcome some sloppiness — and, yes, take advantage of a slew of TCU mistakes — was a positive intangible sign after Belichick’s brutal debut season and offseason.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
But to overcome 30 years of Republican dominance, Talarico needs votes from everywhere.

— Eleanor Dearman Updated August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of overcome

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dominant

dominate

dominated

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Style

“Dominate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dominate. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of dominate

verb

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