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 Good Good was preparing to lend its name to a PGA Tour tournament this fall, a major coup for a digital upstart that had grown into one of the dominant forces in YouTube golf, with more than 2 million subscribers. — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026 The deal would also help Nvidia protect its dominant position in AI chips, which has been somewhat under threat as major tech peers build out their own chips to reduce their reliance on Nvidia hardware. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 It’s been two weeks since the start of the 2026–27 La Liga season, and we’ve already been treated to some dominant displays by Spain’s two powerhouses, Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 Huntington’s disease is hereditary in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning anyone who inherits the gene from a parent will develop the condition. — Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dominant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominant

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

As long as the predominant globe-spanning Navy kept the seas free for everyone, there was no reason to be affiliated with any state.

— Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of predominant

Adjective

The promise of Roman Imaging huge amounts of the universe in one go is of foremost importance because things in the universe happen simultaneously.

— Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Alanna Rizzo is one of the foremost authorities on Major League Baseball.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of foremost

Adjective

Several leading Democrats, including Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, issued statements denouncing Piker’s ugly warning to the Jews as a barely veiled anti-Semitic threat.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Fast-forward to 2026, Thompson signed with the Heat 14 years later at 36 years old this offseason to help create space for the Heat’s new leading duo of Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo with his Hall of Fame-caliber outside shooting.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of leading

Adjective

Player of the Week Senior outside hitter Quinn Grevengoed tallies 92 kills and 15 aces in seven matches and then is named MVP for host Chicago Christian as Knights take tournament title for first time since 2014.

— Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
After filling our brushes with mouthwash from docking station reservoirs, Sarah and I brushed our teeth side-by-side (a first for both of us professionally).

— Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of first

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“Dominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dominant. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of dominant

adjective

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