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

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

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 predominant The Odyssey is a story set in the Bronze Age, written in the Iron Age, measured by which metal was the predominant metal that went into weapons of war and other kinds of tools. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026 More recently, the predominant migrants were Asians, Africans and Middle Eastern people. — Michel A. Ibrahim, Baltimore Sun, 25 July 2026 While summer is still the predominant season, the average acreage burned in winter, spring and fall have all increased too, according to the analysis. — Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 16 July 2026 The Hightower family is closely connected with the worship of the Seven, the predominant faith of Westeros, and Ormund seems to be a model believer. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for predominant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predominant

Adjective

The fourth-year pro with blazing speed had an impressive training camp and appeared to be one of the team’s main kick returners.

— Josh Kendall, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Its main instrument, known as the Wide Field Instrument (WFI), will take extremely wide images of the universe, capturing ultra-high definition views across broad swaths of the sky.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

His once-dominant bat has gone quiet, leading to significant fan frustration, including boos at home games despite his excellent defense.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
At the time, Americans sipped one dominant style of beer, a light lager, sold by big breweries such as Coors and Anheuser-Busch.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of dominant

Adjective

On the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, AI’s foremost critic is flouting the dress code.

— Jack Holmes, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026
The Move to Manchester The TV Festival’s impending move to Manchester was one of the foremost topics of conversation at this year’s edition.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of foremost

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predominant

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

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Synonyms of predominant

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