preponderance

noun

pre·​pon·​der·​ance pri-ˈpän-d(ə-)rən(t)s 

1

: a superiority in weight, power, importance, or strength

2

a

: a superiority or excess in number or quantity

b

: majority

Synonyms of preponderance

• dominance
• superiority
• distinction
• reputation

Examples of preponderance in a Sentence

not since Rome in its glory days had a nation enjoyed such overwhelming military preponderance

a preponderance of the evidence points to the guilt of the defendant

Recent Examples on the Web

To Reitzes, the preponderance of buy ratings on the stock reflects complacency on the part of his Wall Street rivals. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026

The relatively stagnant population and the preponderance of people living and working in subsistence agriculture meant that the desperately poor preindustrial world was also one of relative economic equality between societies. —Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026

Jurors had to decide the question by a preponderance of the evidence, a lower standard than reasonable doubt in the guilt phase. —City News Service, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026

The preponderance of patients paying out of pocket for these products is actually creating this dynamic where the companies are lowering their list price to compete for cash-paying customers. —Christopher Rowland The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

preponderance

noun

pre·​pon·​der·​ance pri-ˈpän-d(ə-)rən(t)s 

: a greater quantity, number, weight, or importance

the preponderance of evidence suggests that the accused is guilty