dom·i·nance | \ ˈdä-mə-nən(t)s 
, ˈdäm-nən(t)s \
, ˈdäm-nən(t)s \Definition of dominance
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 4)
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
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Synonyms for dominance
Synonyms
- ascendance
- (also ascendence),
- ascendancy
- (also ascendency),
- domination,
- dominion,
- hegemony,
- imperium,
- predominance,
- predominancy,
- preeminence,
- reign,
- sovereignty
- (also sovranty),
- supremacy
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
Recent Examples on the Web Even as the season faced challenges with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Perry continued to uphold its badminton dominance, making this years victory a special one.
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Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, "Gilbert Perry, Ironwood crowned badminton champions," 13 Nov. 2020 China hopes to leverage its dominance in electric cars to take a greater share of the global auto market, much as the United States did in the mid-20th century with internal-combustion engines.
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Robinson Meyer, The Atlantic, "The Weekly Planet: 5 Ways to Think About Biden and Climate Change," 10 Nov. 2020 Despite his dominance, Williams had two factors to overcome in the balloting: being a relief pitcher, and one not used to close games.
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Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Brewers reliever Devin Williams is the 2020 National League Jackie Robinson rookie of year," 9 Nov. 2020 Penn State looks to continue its dominance over Maryland when the two teams meet on Saturday, Nov. 7.
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Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, "Maryland-Penn State live stream (11/7): How to watch Taulia Tagovailoa online, TV, time," 7 Nov. 2020 His right-guard dominance, while working between two rookies, is a rare constant in a season of change.
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Michael Gehlken, Dallas News, "Why the Cowboys won’t move Zack Martin to tackle — at least not yet, anyway," 6 Nov. 2020 Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas were reelected Tuesday, ensuring Democrats maintain their dominance of the state’s congressional delegation.
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From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, "Misinformation, gig economy, ‘Fair Tax’ defeat: News from around our 50 states," 5 Nov. 2020 Republicans looking to preserve their longtime dominance of the state’s two most powerful courts did not appear to be in jeopardy as early voting totals came in Tuesday night.
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ExpressNews.com, "Express Briefing: Bexar County breaks turnout records despite low Election Day numbers," 4 Nov. 2020 Republicans hoped to maintain their dominance in Arkansas on Tuesday, with Sen. Tom Cotton running a reelection campaign that has all the hallmarks of a 2024 White House bid.
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Arkansas Online, "Republicans aim to maintain Arkansas dominance in election," 3 Nov. 2020
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dominance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for dominance
dominance
noundom·i·nance | \ ˈdä-mə-nəns \
\Kids Definition of dominance
: the state or fact of being in control of or having more power than another
The largest wolf had dominance over the pack.
dominance
noundom·i·nance | \ ˈdäm(-ə)-nən(t)s \
\Medical Definition of dominance
: 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)
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Time Traveler for dominance
The first known use of dominance was in 1819
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