dominance

noun

dom·​i·​nance ˈdä-mə-nən(t)s How to pronounce dominance (audio)
ˈdäm-nən(t)s
Synonyms of dominancenext
1
: the fact or state of being dominant: such as
a
sociology : controlling, prevailing, or powerful position especially in a social hierarchy (see hierarchy sense 2)
male dominance
political dominance
companies competing for dominance in the market
dominance over their rivals
b
genetics : the property of one of a pair of alleles or traits that suppresses expression (see expression sense 1b(4)) of the other in the heterozygous condition
c
ecology : the influence or control over ecological communities exerted by a dominant (see dominant entry 2 sense 2b)
2
biology : functional (see functional sense 1b) asymmetry between a pair of bodily structures (such as the right and left hands)
right brain dominance

Synonyms of dominance

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Examples of dominance in a Sentence

although Napoléon had achieved dominance over the European continent, Great Britain still ruled the waves the professor's dominance in the field of ancient Greek history
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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 Zilisch’s dominance led to comparisons with three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano, who won on the series as a 19-year-old rookie, and two-time champion Kyle Busch, who won twice as a 20-year-old in his first full season. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 In order to maintain our economic dominance, tough choices will have to be made by all interested parties including future presidents, Congress and, most importantly, the American people. — Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Sandy Creek comes right back out from the lightning delay and asserts dominance. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dominance

Word History

Etymology

see dominant entry 1

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dominance was in 1819

Phrases Containing dominance

Rhymes for dominance

See All Rhymes for dominance

Browse Nearby Words

domina litis
dominance
dominant
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Cite this Entry

“Dominance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dominance. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dominance

noun
dom·​i·​nance ˈdäm-(ə-)nən(t)s How to pronounce dominance (audio)
: the fact or state of being dominant: as
a
: the dominant position of an individual in a series of social ranks or levels
b
: the property of one of a pair of alternate forms of a gene or character that prevents or masks expression of the other when both are present in the heterozygous condition
c
: the control or influence over the environment of an ecological community that a dominant has
d
: greater activity and usage of one of a pair of body parts (as the right hand compared to the left hand)

Medical Definition

dominance

noun
dom·​i·​nance ˈdäm(-ə)-nən(t)s How to pronounce dominance (audio)
: the fact or state of being dominant: as
a
: the relative position of an individual in a social hierarchy compare pecking order
b
: the property of one of a pair of alleles or traits that suppresses expression of the other in the heterozygous condition
c
: functional asymmetry between a pair of bodily structures (as the right and left hands)

More from Merriam-Webster on dominance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dominance

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