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

The agreement is an acknowledgement that the defense could prove by a preponderance of the evidence that severe mental disease or defect caused McGuire not to comprehend that his conduct in the killing was wrong. —Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026

At both meetups, there was a preponderance of tidying—children’s rooms, offices, spare rooms, digital photo libraries, inboxes. —Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 15 June 2026

The measure would have lowered the standard for coverage to a preponderance of evidence that the firefighter became sick due to their work rather than the higher standard of clear and convincing evidence. —Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 4 June 2026

Rather, the preponderance of limited evidence suggests those traces of pollen grains in honey might more often act as antigens, triggering an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals or even the development of new allergies. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 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